The problem of evil

Definition

The problem of evil is a philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how a benevolent, omniscient, and omnipotent deity can allow the existence of evil and suffering in the world. This issue has sparked significant debates among philosophers and theologians, particularly regarding the nature of God and the implications for faith and morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil is often framed as a logical or evidential challenge to theism, questioning how good can exist alongside evil.
2. Philosophers like Epicurus have historically presented arguments questioning how an all-powerful and all-good God can coexist with suffering.
3. Different approaches to the problem include the free will defense, which suggests that evil results from human choices rather than divine will.
4. The existence of natural evil complicates discussions, as it raises questions about whether such events are part of a divine plan or purely random occurrences.
5. Many theologians have developed various theodicies to address this issue, arguing that suffering can lead to spiritual growth or serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

Review Questions

• How do different philosophical perspectives approach the problem of evil?
  • Different philosophical perspectives approach the problem of evil in various ways. For instance, classical theists argue that evil exists due to human free will, suggesting that God allows it so that humans can make moral choices. Conversely, some atheists argue that the existence of suffering contradicts the notion of an all-good, all-powerful deity. The debate often centers around reconciling God's attributes with the reality of evil in the world.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the free will defense in addressing the problem of evil.
  • The free will defense argues that God values human freedom so highly that He permits evil as a consequence of granting humans autonomy. A strength of this argument is that it preserves human moral responsibility; however, critics argue that it does not adequately explain natural evils like earthquakes or diseases, which occur independently of human choice. This brings into question whether free will can sufficiently account for all forms of suffering present in the world.
• Assess how contemporary discussions on the problem of evil impact theological perspectives on God's nature and human understanding of suffering.
  • Contemporary discussions on the problem of evil significantly impact theological perspectives by challenging traditional views of God's omnipotence and benevolence. As modern philosophers and theologians grapple with evolving understandings of suffering, many suggest a more nuanced view of God—one who may not intervene directly in every instance of suffering. This shift encourages deeper exploration into human resilience and communal support during crises, prompting a reevaluation of faith practices in light of persistent evil and suffering in the world.

Related terms

Theodicy: A defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in light of the existence of evil, often seeking to explain why God allows suffering.

Free Will: The ability to choose freely, which some argue is necessary for moral responsibility and is often used to justify the existence of evil as a consequence of human choices.

Natural Evil: Suffering caused by natural phenomena, such as earthquakes or diseases, which raises additional questions about the nature of God's role in the world.