The IKEA Theory of Evil

In systematics this week, we discussed theodicy, or approaches to why there is evil in the world. The question usually gets set up about this way:

1. God is good
2. God is all-powerful
3. Evil exists.

This is how I deal with the question of theodicy, or the 'IKEA theory':

In the beginning, before God furnished his apartment, emptiness covered the floors and walls. There was no furniture. God drove to IKEA and purchased several boxes. The boxes were good, and economical also.

It took God six days, but eventually God emptied the boxes on the floor, located the allen wrenches, and assembled the furniture. God assembled chair and end table, bed and couch, table and desk. And God called it good, hip even, and on the seventh day, God rested.

Only, there were pieces left over. Pieces that, despite God's best efforts, could not be matched with any of the furnishings or instruction manuals. (These were the days before tech support). No good account could be given for the leftover pieces. Although God had good will and was mighty and powerful, to force the pieces into the furniture might only have caused more damage.

It came to pass that God invited friends over. God gave them the tour of the entire pad, but warned them to be careful on the furniture.

Yet, temptation won over and many beverages were consumed. Perhaps it was table dancing that ensued. The break in creation was pressed; and there was a great fall.

Has God, and us, been searching for the instruction books, tech support, and allen wrenches ever since?