Evil it is a construct of Man. God created no evil. Nature is not evil, and Nature's creatures are not evil. By their God-given nature, they simply do what they were created to do. This is natural law. Man has the gifts of reason and of choice, i.e. free will. When man pursues selfish and inconsiderate ends and is otherwise greedy, ignorant and lazy, he harms society, other individuals and eventually himself. This is evil. Society will stop him and punish him for his acts whenever possible, because he is a danger to society.

The question of evil has long driven a wedge between Religionists and Atheists. The arguments of Epicurus (341-270) are not much different than those of several contemporary Atheists:

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?

A Deist would admit that, from a given perspective, these are valid and reasonable arguments. Where a Deist might well differ, however, is on the issue of God being able, but not willing, to prevent evil. I would counter that God set everything up so that evil does not need to exist. We are thinking, reasoning beings. Committing evil against others makes them want to retaliate, and it bring us harm in return. We are free, and we can exercise free will unless we are deprived of our freedom through force. God will not spend every minute of every day violating the laws of nature to correct man's errors and evils. We have the power to stop evil. Blaming evil on God is an excuse, a denial or avoidance of a responsibility that is actually ours.

Avoiding responsibility for one's actions by blaming God or the Devil or expecting absolution or forgiveness in return for penance or worship is another weakness of mainstream religions. This is a facet of revealed religion that has driven so many of us away.

Man is a social animal. We join together into societies, and we develop codes and laws that encourage or require us to live together without harming one another. The Church supports natural law and positive societal codes that protect the rights of individuals to live free, with the needs of society prevailing only when it is necessary to the survival of the society. The Church generally supports the idea of Natural Law and Natural Rights. Natural Rights and Laws are universal. Civil rights come from governments.

Do not fear the Devil. Fear men who are evil. The Devil is a mythical being. Evil men are all too real, whether they wear beards and turbans or suits and ties.

"Evil does not naturally dwell in the world, in events, or in people. Evil is a by-product of forgetfulness, laziness, or distraction: it arises when we lose sight of our true aim in life." -- Epictetus