The Problem of Evil

Definition

The problem of evil refers to the philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good deity can permit the existence of evil and suffering in the world. This issue challenges the coherence of a benevolent divine being in light of the presence of moral and natural evils, prompting debates about free will, the nature of good and evil, and the role of human agency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil has been a central issue in philosophy and theology for centuries, with famous thinkers like Epicurus and David Hume articulating its challenges.
2. The existence of natural disasters, diseases, and other forms of suffering prompts questions about whether a benevolent deity intervenes or permits these events.
3. Theodicies have emerged in response to the problem of evil, attempting to reconcile divine goodness with the existence of suffering by proposing various explanations.
4. Some argue that free will is a necessary component for genuine love and moral goodness, even if it allows for the potential of evil actions.
5. Different religious traditions approach the problem of evil in unique ways, influencing their understanding of God's nature and human responsibility.

Review Questions

• How does the problem of evil challenge traditional views about the nature of God?
  • The problem of evil challenges traditional views about God's nature by questioning how an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent deity can allow evil to exist. This dilemma forces individuals to reconsider attributes typically associated with God and raises questions about whether these characteristics can coexist with the reality of suffering. As people grapple with this problem, they may reassess their understanding of divine justice, love, and power in light of human experience.
• Compare and contrast moral evil and natural evil in relation to the problem of evil.
  • Moral evil arises from human actions, such as theft or murder, while natural evil results from natural occurrences like earthquakes or diseases. Both types raise profound questions about divine responsibility; however, they evoke different responses in discussions about theodicy. Moral evil often emphasizes human agency and free will as factors contributing to suffering, while natural evil invites debates about whether God intervenes in the world or allows events to unfold according to natural laws.
• Evaluate how different theological perspectives address the problem of evil and what implications these views have for believers.
  • Different theological perspectives address the problem of evil in various ways. For example, some religious traditions advocate for a free will defense, asserting that genuine love necessitates the possibility of choosing evil. Others propose that suffering can lead to greater spiritual growth or test faith. These differing approaches shape believers' understanding of their relationship with God and influence how they cope with suffering, impacting their faith practices and worldview in profound ways.

Related terms

Theodicy:

A defense that attempts to explain why a good God would allow evil to exist, often justifying it as necessary for greater goods or human freedom.

Natural Evil:

Suffering caused by natural events, such as earthquakes or diseases, which is not a direct result of human actions but raises questions about divine responsibility.

Moral Evil: Evil actions or suffering that arise from human choices, such as violence or injustice, which are often used to examine the implications of free will.