The Problem of Evil: or - Holy Crap!

I suppose it comes as no surprise to those who read this blog that I am not only attempting to work out my faith, but I am also reexamining my views of theology.  In the past my metanarrative has been almost completely shaped by my childhood teachings.  I'm not saying that I am summarily casting off everything I have ever known (insert here my little play on Descartes: cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - LOL).  Rather I am systematically (I know, I know - to some of you out there that is such a dirty word) considering my beliefs and how much of those beliefs are based on American theology vs a more global theology.  That being said...

I am not yet sure what to think of the problem of evil, and quite frankly I am not prepared to get into it in any depth at this time.  I am beginning simply with the premise that if there is good there must also be evil, and that got me to thinking about a movie I saw this fall. The other day Paranormal Activity came out on DVD and of course I had to watch it again. This is one of the best films I've seen lately. Its cinema verite style makes is both believable and extremely personal. The characters are natural, funny and identifiable. If anything, they are too human in that they make all of the mistakes young people make in not reaching out for help. The guy has a macho attitude about the nature of evil, and thinks crosses are silly symbols. If you haven't seen the film, I won't spoil it, but it's like a ghost story on film. If you don't pray now, you may after watching it. (Cue scary music.) It will haunt you for life!

And so now, in my sleepless hours, I consider evil…