Why Did God Create Evil?

My teen aged son has recently taken to studying the Bible with other people. Right now he is on vacation in Brazil so because of the cost of calling we do not talk everyday. The people that he is staying with in Brazil go to church everyday. They have bible study everyday as well.

He called me last night and I called him back because the expense is even greater over there. We had our usual reading of verses from the bible that he is studying, which by the way I really love doing with him and is something we have done a lot. After we went through the different passages he asked me why if God create everything did he create evil?

I told him that in my opinion God created evil so that we would have choice because without choice there would be no free will. He said wow! mom that answer knocked my socks off! He said he couldn't wait to give that answer at church. He wanted to hang up after that so, we said our goodbyes and our I love yous and hung up. I was feeling a little empty nested when he called and after his call it was good to know that I can still parent even when my son is a continent away. I love you babe...