The Bible says that God created man in his image. It is obvious then that he had free will. To do what? If mankind did not have free will then as previously stated in this thread, we would be robots. Can't imagine a more boring existence! To do just as programmed and not be able to think or feel or decide for oneself. It reminds me of a film I watched where Robin Williams played a robot and finally wanted to become a human so that he could enjoy life.
God created life because loves life and wanted to share it. He created not only man but animals and plants. However, it is only to man that he gave free will. The capacity to choose what to do. Animals act instinctively and plants just grow (instinctively).
If, at the beginning of mankinds existence, he chose to obey God rather than Satan, the world would be a very different place. The accounts in the Bible would not have happened and there would have been no need for Jesus Christ to die as he did.
Man,not God is to blame for what has happened over the centuries. Man it is that has enslaved, destroyed, killed and tortured. It is man that is ruining the planet.
As for evil. It was not made by God. True he made the creature who became evil. But again, this is due to the free will that was given him.
You, for your part Naomi & others, choose to be atheists. I, for my part, chose to be a believer. We have exercised our free will. We have made our choices on the influences upon our lives, either from our parents, friends or education.
But just as there is punishment for doing wrong, so there is a reward for doing right.
Some think the punishment is everlasting torment and the reward a heavenly life.
But neither is correct. Our consciences are the judge. When we know we do wrong we suffer a bad conscience but when we know we have done the right thing then we have peace of mind.