Natural evil

Definition

Natural evil refers to suffering and harm that occurs in the world due to natural events and processes, such as earthquakes, floods, diseases, and other disasters, rather than through human actions. This concept raises important questions about the nature of a benevolent deity and the existence of suffering in the world, challenging beliefs in divine attributes like omnipotence and omnibenevolence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural evil challenges the view of a benevolent God because it raises questions about why an all-good being would permit suffering caused by natural disasters.
2. Philosophers have proposed various theodicies to explain natural evil, including the idea that it serves a greater purpose or allows for human growth and development.
3. Natural evil differs from moral evil, as it is not a result of human free will but rather inherent processes of the natural world.
4. The existence of natural evil complicates traditional religious beliefs, leading some to question the compatibility of faith with observable suffering in the world.
5. Natural evil is often seen as a significant factor in discussions around existentialism and the human condition, prompting deeper inquiries into life's meaning amidst suffering.

Review Questions

• How does natural evil challenge the concept of an all-powerful and all-good deity?
  • Natural evil poses a significant challenge to the concept of an all-powerful and all-good deity because it raises questions about why such a being would allow suffering caused by natural occurrences. If God is omnipotent, then He has the ability to prevent natural disasters. If He is omnibenevolent, then it seems contradictory for Him to permit suffering. This dilemma has led theologians and philosophers to explore various explanations for the existence of natural evil while trying to reconcile it with divine attributes.
• Discuss how different philosophical perspectives interpret the role of natural evil within a religious framework.
  • Different philosophical perspectives interpret natural evil in varied ways within a religious framework. Some argue that natural evil is necessary for spiritual growth or character development, suggesting that experiencing hardship can lead individuals to become more compassionate or resilient. Others contend that natural evils demonstrate the limitations of human understanding when attempting to comprehend divine plans. Theodicies such as process theology argue that God does not exert control over natural events, thus allowing for a dynamic interaction between divine influence and natural laws.
• Evaluate the implications of accepting natural evil as part of a coherent worldview regarding divine attributes and human existence.
  • Accepting natural evil as part of a coherent worldview implies a re-evaluation of traditional understandings of divine attributes and their relationship with human existence. It leads to questioning whether an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God can coexist with the reality of suffering from natural disasters. This evaluation may encourage individuals to consider alternative views of God, such as a deity who is not omnipotent or one who interacts with creation in non-controlling ways. Additionally, recognizing natural evil prompts deeper reflections on human resilience and the search for meaning in suffering, pushing individuals to grapple with profound existential questions.

Related terms

Moral Evil: Moral evil involves suffering and harm caused by human actions, such as violence, theft, and injustice.

Theodicy: Theodicy is the theological study that attempts to justify God's goodness and omnipotence in the presence of evil and suffering.

Omnipotence: Omnipotence is the attribute of being all-powerful, which raises questions about why an all-powerful deity would allow natural evil to exist.