Why did God create this hostile world? If God is perfect, why did He create imperfection?

It's easy to look at the world today and ask 'if God is good, why has He created this horrible mess?' If God is perfect, why has He created this painfully imperfect world, with its opposition to all that is good, and its urge to corrupt and destroy? If God is Love, why all this hatred?
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The video 'Why did God create this hostile world? If God is perfect, why did He create imperfection?' was recorded by Fr Seraphim (Aldea) at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@mullmonastery]

To support our Monastery and the work we do: mullmonastery.com/donation/ For icons, prayer ropes and pilgrimages to the Scottish Isles: shop.mullmonastery.com Thank you for your support. You keep us alive and able to keep doing the work we do. May God bless you.

[@Ndw1995]

God created free will. And with that free will, WE have ruined this world and made it unholy. WE are the sinners to blame. Luckily, God forgives

[@IgnisDaemonicus]

How can a perfect and holy being create anything other than perfection and holiness? If humans are created in Gods image how could us having free will somehow create unholiness and ruin out of nothing? God also has free will. The tree of knowledge of good and evil was put in eden by God, right? Which means before humans ate from the tree evil already existed. And the same applies to the devil. His free will could not create evil if God was perfect and holy because again he could only create perfection and holiness if he was indeed both of those things.

[@ClientsMusic]

@@IgnisDaemonicus You can't use your own logic and rationale to deduce something like that. Your logical and rational mind are of the world. Surrendering those to Christ is opening the door for Christ, allowing easy access to you. The truth is, infinity in heaven exists. Some have chosen to enact sin and evil because they are free to do so in the heaven we are in, and that has made the world (earth) within that heaven that we live in basically not a very nice place to be, ONLY because beings with free-will choose to commit sin and evil because it's God's loving gift that we are allowed to choose anything within his truly infinite nature. Infinity includes evil, because for the perception of a 'good' to exist, there must exist also evil, and in order to sufficiently grant us true free-will, there must be a counter-balancing force to everything otherwise every choice would be the same choice and we would have no free will. Yes, God is above the counter-balancing forces and in order for us to have a finite mind rather than an infinite mind, God looks to us like a bunch of random forces doing different random things, disembodied from one another, in order to supply us with choices in our palate of free-will.

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

Exactly, when children have rhe ability to run around and play tag, to actually get hurt on a cement playground, they have free will. They learn something, even if it us just that actions have consequences. If on the other hand, you don't allow your child any freedom at all; they are like shrodingers cat. Not dead or alive; they are breathing, but may as well be androids. They have no unsupervised experiences, whether love, joy, curiosity. They follow rules well: that isn't love.

[@caroleelagrone9729]

I agree with you with the exception of your choice of the word "Luckly"! Luck is Not in my vocabulary because I serve God in my lift as the person who I have given complete control Over my life Not I am luck if thing's go well And why did God allow that if I was Not Luckly! There is a purpose in my life as to weather my life goes! God is in control and the way it goes. He has a purpose for that way alway's! No such thing as luck in my life!!! God's Kingdom come! His Will be done ! On earth as it is in Heaven!!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@FestusCletus2024]

What animals have done?

[@ClientsMusic]

Farther Seraphim, you are so blessed as we are blessed to have you involved in our spiritual Journey to home. My heart yearns in this moment for God's blessings to be upon you, your Monastery and all within its walls, everyone you meet, every heart you touch, every frown you turn into a smile with Christ's presence within you. Truly my heart yearns for blessings of Christ upon all who are reading this comment. I love you so much in Christ, brother, and my brothers and sisters reading this comment!

[@psalmistinprogress9089]

We don't belong in this world. EVERYTHING is adversarial! No one can do anything without someone else opining about it. It is the sin of talebearing writ large on the whole world. "Do you know what so-and-so is doing?" Judging others is the most popular activity. Very few can just live and let live. Even fewer can have a discussion about something they disagree with. I'm happy the Lord keeps some at least partially separated from this world so that we may benefit from a sane perspective. This world has driven the rest of us nuts.

[@despairknot]

Forgive me, my tiny Seraphima answered this question for me very simply upon our reception into Orthodoxy on the occasion of our first Pasca, and I should like to share it. She was 5 years old at the time and asked me, "Dad why did God create death?" I replied that He didn't, and explained that we sin, and that is the wages of sin. My pure Seraphima got a light in her eyes and exclaimed, "Oh, God did not create death, we did when we disobeyed Him, and Jesus came and defeated Death, that's why we are singing, 'Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." This explains our suffering as well, as a prelude to death. Forgive me if I have said too much.

[@taylorbaxter4134]

I am Protestant but sense listening to you I’ve bought a 100 knot prayer rope and been praying “ lord Jesus Christ song of God, have mercy on me a sinner “ everyday. I’m on day 3

[@yoursavior154]

I'm a young woman who's been trying to make sense of christian realities like this and I wanna say that God's given you a very profound speech in this video. I appreciate the personal approach you took to explaining this difficult topic and laying out the whole truth of human potential to be like God in Christ, it being cut short because of our sin, and the reality that we need to accept this truth or else there's no moving forward. This was very important for me to hear! As someone who's grown up Protestant but hasn't agreed with all the teachings, I feel like Orthodox people like you are having me get such a deeper understanding of basic topics I thought I already knew the ins and outs of. So praise God! I'm learning a lot here and taking christianity seriously now!

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you, dear one, for this beautiful comment. It gives me so much courage and so much hope to know that we CAN learn from each other despite the differences between us - all these differences will disappear when the Day of the Lord comes, because they are all determined by the differences in our cultures, education, economic and social status, all these things that dominate our lives here but they have no meaning in eternity. They will crumble like dust and, as they crumble, we shall discover ourselves as Christ created us, and in that discovery we shall see that we are all One. May God bless you and all those you keep close to your heart.

[@yoursavior154]

@@mullmonastery The differences being dissolved one day is real and true, God bless.

[@nickfelstead7559]

i am a young(ish) guy from Australia trying to make sense of these realities as well.... i hope your journey is going well as the journey itself isnt easy

[@andrewklados4096]

🤗❤️🙏🏻✝️🌷👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@michaelcohen7343]

What gets me is why He just handed the world over to satan? But I know He has his reasons

[@remahunt4277]

One of the most beautiful teachings I have ever heard. A shining example of a human being acting as an advocate for Christ. Winning hands down as well. After listening, I felt as if tiny holes had been punched into my skull allowing my entire brain to escape, leaving only Christ and your words. Perhaps showing me how to make a road for new teachings from God. Once I read a comment from a gentleman about you. In it he said (the best I remember), we have been with an Orthodox priest today. He drew the people like bees to honey, unaware that he was doing it. The reason being his likenesses to Christ Himself. Thank you, my dear Father Seraphim, for helping us in this difficult world in which we live. Blessed are the feet that bring the sound of Good News and the love of the King. 🌹🌹🌹

[@br.m]

That's why Jesus is called the firstborn from the dead.

[@brianjones4026]

Father Seraphim thank you for this excellent explanation to this question posed on why God,s creation is not perfect ! Since Adam through his helper Eve took of the forbidden fruit we are all indeed generationally born into this one initial sin, that requires to be healed ! Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ for Mercy and Salvation from our sins ! Let the Grace and Love of God and his Perfection be once more found in our hearts hungry for home and rest ! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive me a sinner ! Amen Amen Amen .

[@jameshutchins3396]

We go to heaven together and to hell alone. May we be together Father

[@user-uh1kt4iz7x]

Absolutely beautiful words. God bless you, and thank you for your guidance. Australia

[@danielgaley9676]

Thanks again for your wisdom. Please keep us in your prayers. Dan and Cathy.

[@lindamcauley4728]

God bless you Father

[@kyleabram9036]

I prayed to God for clarity on a multitude of topics and the same day I found your videos, please know you are making a difference in the world, God bless you 🙏

[@arnaudlouis-dam8768]

Nature was hostile before even man appeared on earth. Isn't that obvious?

[@barbarapsomas9147]

Thank you Father for this amazing heart warming message. I'm learrning so much from you. Stay Bless.

[@margareta7439]

Just beautiful .... thank you Father Seraphim, God bless you!

[@cindybanjoff1417]

Father, I'm grateful you have returned to sharing your thoughts, teachings, and blessed life. I'm living a solitary life and your postings help me feel connected. Thank you

[@annawray2220]

I’m saving these for my children to listen to, they always ask me such questions and I wish I could be as articulate as you!

[@dida6258]

Father I thank you for your teachings.

[@vladmakowski]

Sir, I'm from Russia, was baptized after birth in Orthodox Church, but never lived a religious life although kept interest in Christianity for the last 6 years. Very glad to stumble upon your channel few days ago, and to learn there are Orthodox Christians in Scotland😁

[@grindversity_]

Хвала ти из дубине срца мога за све ♥️☦️

[@bakarycisse]

Amen, i believe in thé word of god,

[@JockStud]

Amazing knowledge. I have yet to repent adequately for my sins and to truly accept my actions as a defilement of my free will. I am determined to change this, and your guiding words make it that much more possible. Thank you.

[@drdanielbe]

Thank you Father, good clarification at the beginning of the video. The goal is not to fight but to grow together. I recommend your channel to others when I see a glimpse of monk in them.

[@aa2339]

John Macarthur had a great sermon about this. The question of evil and free will.

[@mikebaker2436]

Who are we, as the imperfect, to judge the mind of the Only Perfect One? How can we sufficiently explain God's unknowable reasons either in His favor or against Him? Who are we? How can we know God's infinite heart when we don't even yet know our own finite heart? How can we come to understand the heights of the mysteries of heaven when we haven't even mastered the mysteries within ourselves? How can we perceive the Truth when our perceptions are so limited? How can we understand the Truth when our understanding is so mired in ignorance? So often, are we not getting a little ahead of ourselves?

[@Cchuck131997]

God bless

[@californiactually]

I began following your words Fr. In 2018 when it was obvious to me that your goal as a fellow Christian was to share fellowship in Christ and not “fight” theological arguments. Your words to me flow from the heart and touch me greatly. Stay your course in Christ. I appreciate you and your words greatly. -Evan Moore

[@godislove5568]

+Through the prayers of our Holy Father's LORD JESUS CHRIST OUR GOD have mercy on us and save us

[@cynthiagaudino9272]

I believe... God gave us the right to choose, that is his gift to us, "freedom." Most are selfish and envious. For most people, "suffering" is not having something they desire. For my choices, my sins, he suffered a horrible and humiliating death. My heart belongs to him.

[@atomicsnowflake]

The secular world encourages us to embrace our sin. I don't know why. It might be so they can make more money out of us. Run away from it fast. Thank you for the video 🙏☦️🕊️

[@tatjanarajic1207]

Хвала ти драги Оче Серафиме, нека те чува наш дивни Серафим Саровски !

[@saksi6249]

I always love getting a notification that you've posted another video, brother. You have answered so many questions that I've had with your talks and your relaying the ancient wisdom of the Desert Fathers has shown me that these battles and inquiries have stretched much farther than I previously knew. I'd like to add to this and say that God DID in fact create perfection. If there were nothing created, all would be void. In void there is nothing. When there is something, ANYTHING, opposed to nothing, it is exactly as it should be. It is as it must be, the only way it CAN be. It may not be convenient, but it is perfect. Christ was not convenient for the powers that be when he walked among us, but he was perfect. This world, the dust and smoke that it is, is perfect. It is the perfect place for a test of faith. The perfect story of our relationship with the divine. The perfect way to prove ourselves and grow in Christ against horrible tides. The perfect crucible for loyal servants of our Lord to be formed. Convenient? Comfortable? No. Perfect? Yes. Just, not for those that do not see divinity on the other side of the wall of illusion and shadow. Strive and grow. Follow our Lord and prove yourselves. That is why you are here. Our Heavenly Father counts his faithful and obedient from the heads that clamor the Earth. Rest comes after. Duty comes now.

[@imalamboman12]

Well said.

[@deirdrelewis1454]

Beautifully put! Your insight is amazing. For the Catholics here, perhaps look at Fr. Richard Rohr. He says we are all created in God’s image but it is up to us to grow into His likeness…if we choose to do so. Dear Fr. Seraphim, we Catholics share your vision and faith and I would love nothing better than to sit and talk to you. Since that is not possible in this world, I will always enjoy your teachings now and hope to see you in the next! God bless you now and always.

[@Michelle_wald]

Really enjoyed this clarification 🙏🏼💯

[@jeridburleson2100]

Thank you Father for your words in these times.

[@jbarnets6246]

🙏My God Bless you Always 🕊✨Thank you for your time❤And Videos they are important 🙏🕊Keep your videos active 🙏🛡⚔

[@sharakirkby2744]

That was good my friend. That completely cleared it up for me!💖

[@georgekordan4426]

Thank you Fr. Seraphim for this video and viewpoint. I turned on KZbin in search of a video to send to a friend in order to possibly stimulate conversation amongst friends and hopefully growth in love and in Christ. God help you in your struggle, whatever it may be. IX XC NI KA

[@cranyfield]

I don't belive in god but really enjoy hearing your insights

[@mariefrance1023]

So beautiful

[@georgiadim5333]

Our all mighty perfect loving merciful Creator created everything perfect! However because He loves us He gave us free Will. It is because such a large percentage of us have rejected our Lord and His path, hence mankind is in such destructive downward spiral !

[@giulia1606]

Grazie mille per tutte le sue parole ❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@manimalcrackers4065]

This was so very edifying to me, not necessarily on the topic of why the world is fallen but that it helped me realize I fail very much to see the image of God in my brothers and sisters. I fail to love and instead fall into hatred and anxiety when I cannot get people to consume and understand the spiritual meat I do. I need to sit down and hold hands as you have done with us, I need to be feeding them spiritual milk and much love. Thank you Father, may God give you 1000 blessings, you have saved me from condemning myself to judgement.

[@dave1370]

"'But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation, in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.' How unto salvation? By sanctifying you through the Spirit. For these are the things that are the efficient causes of our salvation. It is nowhere of works, nowhere of righteous deeds, but through belief of the truth." St. John Chrysostom Homily 4 on Second Thessalonians

[@prypiat27]

You hit ut rught on the nail. Great understanding and wisdom, praise the Lord.

[@ritakevorkian2649]

Thank you Father ❤❤❤

[@Civilizoo]

A great video topic.

[@philokaliadaily]

May you see every blessing from your journey to God. My sponsor into the Church is from Romania, so I feel blessed to hear your speech in video. Please continue your good work and good example. I cannot live the ascetic life as you do, but I can learn by watching, do what I can, when I can, and bring your teachings into my daily practice as I meet modern obligations.

[@meade5267]

Thank you! 🙏THAT was the most beautifully loving explanation of the fall of humanity I've ever heard. ☦ Glory to God but thank you.

[@theconnecticutriverdocumentary]

Thank you Father Seraphim.

[@gigilagous8020]

My son was murdered on Easter I prayed the Jesus prayer while he was in the ER He still died So when I here ask and have faith God will listen doesn’t work My faith is Demising

[@Dioliolio]

Through my own suffering and pain I’ve grown in patience, kindness, humility and love. The path towards heaven is to first travel through hell.

[@elviradonaghy6425]

Thank you Father. We must come to the full knowledge of this sermon.

[@Seraphim91]

Thankyou Father, for this talk. I struggle with these questions myself. I am an evangelical, not Orthodox, but I have a great respect for the witness of the Eastern church. Please pray for me 🙏

[@richspizzaparty]

Without it there'd be no Heaven, as this life is a test.

[@Hopeof7suns]

I’m glad I found you brother. Thank you for sharing your perspectives with us. I can detect the HolySpirit in you. I don’t care what any critics say. I see you.

[@monkeau1740]

First, hello father! Much love from Australia ☦️☦️

[@RosaryJo]

Father please can you pray for me. I am quite isolated and I am struggling with it. If you could offer up a prayer for me I would really appreciate it. Thankyou very much, God bless you . Xx

[@Michel-ov1sv]

Thank you Father Seraphim. Your messages are always deep and clear. By telling us that we are all together ignited in me the sense of not being alone, bring a sheep in the flock together with other brothers snd sisters in Christ as one body. The body of Christ and this while makes me humble it strengthens me.

[@JesseRickett]

I give thanks to our Lord for you and the brothers and sisters of Mull. I have been devouring everything you post, including your prayers and hymns, for several years. I pray that you are supported, blessed, and protected in every way. Amen.

[@youniahawel8608]

Hello father seraphim good evening 🍀

[@francescaverdi2555]

I love Fr Seraphim

[@RoW-ty3bm]

Father, very good questions and your answer's. I pictured myself as that new seed, God gave me life it is now my choice to follow what is needed for the good, or I just sit and create nothing my choice and my decision not to breath or waste the time of air given to me.

[@anaadebowale6340]

I agree, God made us perfect but sadly we like to make ourselves imperfect and them blame God for the consequences. It’s quite a work though to learn God and understand him to the point of taking responsibility for our short comings. And He loves us regardless.

[@lisasmith767]

A very good question indeed, thanks for addressing it.

[@mariazacharias3014]

God bless you, Father. You are such a comfort to us.

[@konberner170]

It would be terrific if more people spent time on the Question of Evil. I see this lack as among the biggest blocks to humans forwarding their connection with God.

[@sl5106]

God Bless!

[@Iloveyoujesus111]

Thank you Fr for reminding me not to drive my will into people while proclaiming. It seems when two people with open hearts and as little pride as possible talk about God it seems that over time God becomes the voice of both. Thank you, your video relieved me of a lot pressure. Thank you and I pray for God’s blessings on you.

[@alicebeshay6124]

Thank you dear father Seraphim, for this beautiful teaching about us being in this difficult world. God bless you and all the monks and nuns of the monastery. The world needs you❤️

[@NogGonnaMakeIt]

The type of question we ask ourselves signals our faith and or knowledge that we have of God's word at that moment in time, and I believe this question of "why did God create a hostile world" belongs to an inquirer that is just starting his/her journey with Christ such as myself. I would rather be faced with the most challenging struggles of doubt in the beginning than 10 years from now after sinking my time & devotion.

[@chadpilled7913]

Can you make a video on anxious attachment? I am a nervous wreck whenever I am in a relationship. I always think my girlfriend is upset or that they are cheating on me even if there is no evidence. If they dont reply to a text in 30 minutes my stomach starts turning. I know I am being crazy but the feeling persists. I also feel "cold" whenever things are going smoothly. I feel emotionally alive whenever I am trying to win them over but I feel dead whenever the commitment is evident.

[@JonasPeterson-et5pe]

God bless you and all who comment and watch

[@timothytrespas]

I love you I love jesus

[@deanaburnham9571]

The angst is part of the wood or essence of (at least) my cross. I have no answers myself. Christ has given enough grace to make me beg to be transformed into His likeness, His love and so forth . He is my one and only hope. And in this faith I struggle and follow Him "He goes before me always." I think I'm rambling.

[@susannemyall7699]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏💐🕊❤🌹

[@leonardojovanovic]

thank you father please pray for me personally leonardo jovanovic!❤☦

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear Leonardo. May He answer your deepest prayer and, if it is for your salvation, may Christ grant you what your heart wants. If it is not for your salvation, may Christ have mercy on you and keep you away from it all. Remember the monastery in your payers too.

[@leonardojovanovic]

Thank you dear father ☦️🙏

[@customdiecastpolice]

Well said Father

[@thanasistama3943]

I am sorry there are those in your audience who to these youtube posts think this is a venue for theological battle with you. Thank you for sharing your monastic journey and insights. With God’s creation of Adam and Eve, He made us in his image and gave us freewill to chose to worship and loved Him. God did not want slaves or robots but for us, humanity to freely turn to God. Thank you for your talk and sharing! God bless us and help us to be.

[@clairewatt4947]

i have to leave but will comment later. Your messages quiet my soul,

[@rosemaribeach9356]

❤ from Florida

[@magoog10]

Yeah, we made the world this way, but I don’t understand how we’re ultimately responsible for that. He created us, so he created our sin too. No matter who you are (-Christ) you will never be able to be even close to perfect in this life. It’s really difficult to deal with this because I genuinely from the heart of my heart want to do everything in my power to follow his will. But I am unable. ThenI blame him for what I do. It’s this endless cycle I can’t get out of. It makes me sick, I end up being absolutely disgusted with myself and then every time I go back to prayer I feel like I’m just lying to Him. And that takes me even deeper down the tunnel. Please pray for me

[@ofirshorshy8281]

Thank you.

[@mkeenan1955]

Thank you for those enlightening words dear Father.

[@johndevisser903]

Without the knowledge of evil you do not know what is good. The knowledge of good and evil is necessary to be able to discern what is good. You wouldn't know that God is good and how God actually is when you wouldn't know what is evil.

[@venerafazio5757]

Amen Amen Amen🙏🙏Fr. Seraphim, keeping you in my prayers. May God bless you and keep you.

[@lindaphillips4646]

Excellent, careful answer. Would that those who most need to hear this, to reorder their thinking, who keep making God the defendant, rather than to see themselves as sinners who need His Love and can receive His Forgiveness, truly hear and receive this beautiful explanation.. (That basically could be all of us in some way, couldn't it? Not just 'them'.) .☦🌟☦

[@giulia1606]

I do Love all your youtube contents. Thank you very much for everything.

[@gretagarbo1119]

Oh,I do love coffee a lot!That s why we live,to be loving,forgiving. We are all guilty of everyone and everything.We are all culpable in the death of Christ.My sins,your sins,put Him on that Cross.Just as bread is break up by eating it,but so is the cause of survival,so too Christ will let Himself be CRUSHED,because only when man will have killed Him,will he understand how good God is.❤🙏

[@josephcarrejo870]

Viva Saint Sebastián & thank you for a divine message on this spiritual day

[@GuitarJesse7]

Beautiful answer, and I really appreciate the seed metaphor.

[@marildatulina9296]

“Who is the truth?” ..hmm what a profound re-adjustment to Pontius Pilate’s question …that’s very interesting to ponder…”Who” rather than “what” because, ultimately the Truth is not an abstract concept or object …but “it” (the Truth) is the Person of Christ…which in some ways seems to indicate a breakdown of language I’m only 10 minutes in, but as always - thank you Fr Seraphim for the gift of your words and insights ! May God bless you and Mull monastery now and forever! + Pax Christi +

[@clairemccartin]

Love to you all , we all try to keep the faith Father , we can only keep the faith God bless everyone

[@newend2116]

Well said

[@lindaphillips4646]

Yes, thank you. Have already frwdd this..

[@dave1370]

“The favors of God so far exceed human hope and expectation, that often they are not believed. For God has bestowed upon us such things as the mind of man never looked for, never thought of. It is for this reason that the Apostles spend much discourse in securing a belief of the gifts that are granted us of God. For as men, upon receiving some great good, ask themselves if it is not a dream, as not believing it; so it is with respect to the gifts of God. What then was it that was thought incredible? That those who were enemies, and sinners, neither justified by the law, nor by works, should immediately through faith alone be advanced to the highest favor.” St. John Chrysostom Homily 4 on First Timothy

[@WWS322]

All I want to hear you say is I'm going to be okay.