Problem of Evil

Definition

The problem of evil is a philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good deity can allow the existence of evil and suffering in the world. This issue challenges the consistency of belief in a benevolent God with the observable presence of moral and natural evils, leading to deep inquiries into the nature of divinity and human existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil has been a central topic in philosophy and theology since ancient times, with figures like Augustine and Epicurus discussing it extensively.
2. There are generally two categories of evil: moral evil, caused by human actions, and natural evil, resulting from natural events.
3. Philosophers have proposed various solutions to the problem of evil, including free will defense, soul-making theodicy, and appeal to God's greater plan.
4. The existence of gratuitous or unnecessary suffering raises additional questions about the nature of divine justice and human purpose.
5. The problem of evil remains a significant challenge for believers in monotheistic faiths, influencing debates on faith, reason, and the nature of God.

Review Questions

• How does the problem of evil challenge traditional views of an all-powerful and all-good deity?
  • The problem of evil poses a significant challenge to the traditional understanding of God as all-powerful and all-good by highlighting the contradiction between this belief and the existence of suffering in the world. If God is omnipotent, He should be able to prevent evil; if He is omnibenevolent, He should want to prevent it. This tension prompts deeper philosophical inquiries about the nature of God and raises questions about free will, divine purpose, and the role of humanity in addressing moral issues.
• Discuss how different philosophical approaches respond to the problem of evil.
  • Different philosophical approaches tackle the problem of evil through various lenses. For instance, the free will defense argues that moral evil arises from humanity's freedom to choose, suggesting that free will is necessary for genuine love and moral responsibility. In contrast, soul-making theodicy posits that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and character development. These responses reflect attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with belief in a loving and just God while emphasizing human agency and growth.
• Evaluate the implications of accepting a solution to the problem of evil on one's worldview and understanding of God.
  • Accepting a solution to the problem of evil can profoundly impact an individual's worldview and understanding of God. For example, embracing the free will defense may lead one to see humanity's moral choices as central to understanding suffering, emphasizing personal responsibility. Conversely, viewing suffering as part of a divine plan may encourage trust in God's wisdom despite life's hardships. Ultimately, how one reconciles this dilemma shapes their beliefs about morality, justice, and purpose in life while influencing their faith journey and relationship with the divine.

Related terms

Theodicy: A defense or explanation of God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of evil, often attempting to justify why a benevolent deity would permit suffering.

Moral Evil: Evil that results from the actions of free agents, often referring to immoral acts committed by humans, such as violence and injustice.

Natural Evil: Evil that occurs as a result of natural phenomena, such as disasters or diseases, which are not directly caused by human actions.