Q&A: Why would God create a world where things can exist that go against his nature? Answer: free will theodicy and soul-building theodicy

John offers the free will defense: sin is partly a rejection of God; if God wants to give creatures the ability to accept or reject him, this requires allowing freedom that can be misused. Mike adds: God allows free will as a great good for creatures; accountability and final restoration are part of the plan. Cameron introduces the soul-building theodicy: sin and evil in the world allow virtues like courage and forgiveness to exist as actual acts, not merely potential dispositions — these are great goods that require sin and suffering to be realized.