The Space for Growth: Understanding Evil and Autonomy

In our journey through life, we often grapple with the perplexing presence of evil. How can a world created by a benevolent God harbor such darkness? The answer lies in understanding the profound nature of autonomy and the space it necessitates.

The Vacuum of Independence

Evil is not a creation of God, but rather an outcome of the vacuum – the void that God allowed to exist for the sake of independent consciousness. To comprehend this, consider the relationship between a parent and their child. If a parent holds onto their infant perpetually, never allowing them to walk on their own, the child would never learn the vital skill of walking. This analogy illustrates a critical principle: without the opportunity to fall, there is no opportunity to rise.

The Necessity of Autonomy

God, in His infinite wisdom, desired beings who could choose freely and independently. This necessitated creating a space – a vacuum – where individuals could exercise their autonomy. Within this space, the potential for making mistakes, whether inadvertently or deliberately, becomes inherent.

• Independence and Growth: Just as a child must be allowed to fall in order to learn to walk, so must humans be allowed to err in order to grow. It is through these experiences that we develop resilience, strength, and wisdom.

• Divine Confidence: God’s confidence in us is akin to a parent’s confidence in their child’s ability to eventually stand and walk. This confidence is empowering, providing the encouragement to strive and overcome.

The Role of Mistakes

Mistakes are an inevitable aspect of the journey toward independence. They are not merely failures but opportunities for learning and development. In Jewish thought, this concept is deeply rooted in the idea of teshuva – repentance and return. Each misstep is a chance for introspection, growth, and ultimately, a return to a path of righteousness.

Embracing the Process

The process of falling and rising is integral to spiritual and personal growth. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidism, teaches that the light that comes after darkness is the greatest light of all. This light is the product of our struggles and triumphs, the victories over our own inclinations and errors.

• Strength through Struggle: Just as a muscle strengthens through resistance, so does the soul through challenges. Embracing this perspective transforms our view of adversity, seeing it not as a deterrent but as a catalyst for growth.

The Greater Good

Understanding the nature of evil and autonomy helps us appreciate the greater good that emerges from the space God created for independent consciousness. This space is a testament to God’s trust in humanity’s potential to choose righteousness and goodness.

Practical Applications

• Self-Compassion: Recognize that errors are part of the human experience. Approach them with compassion and a commitment to learn rather than with self-criticism.

• Encouragement: Just as a parent encourages a child, offer support and encouragement to others on their journey. Help them see their potential and the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.

• Spiritual Practice: Engage in regular self-reflection and spiritual practices that align with the concept of teshuva. This can be through prayer, meditation, or studying sacred texts.

Journey Towards Fulfillment

In embracing the space for autonomy and the potential for mistakes, we embark on a journey toward personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. This journey, though fraught with challenges, is illuminated by the divine confidence in our ability to rise above and become our best selves.

For further insights, watch this enlightening video by Rabbi Simon Jacobson: Understanding Evil and the Role of Autonomy.