Problem of evil

Question 1

Logical problem of evil

Answer 1

The existence of evil is logically inconsistent with the existence of the God of classical theism – God defined as omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient.

Question 2

Epicurus’ logical problem of evil

Answer 2

If God knows about our suffering, cares about our suffering, and can do something about our suffering, then there shouldn’t be any suffering.

Question 3

Epicurus quote

Answer 3

“Is he both able and willing? Why is there evil?”

Question 4

Mackie’s logical problem of evil

Answer 4

The inconsistent triad.

God cannot be both omnibenevolent and omnipotent simultaneously if evil exists.

Question 5

Mill’s evidential problem of evil

Answer 5

God cannot represent infinite goodness because of all the evil that exists within the natural world that contradicts God’s apparent qualities.

EG Human suffering.
Nature causing humans to suffer.
Animals killing each other.

Question 6

Rowe’s criticism of God

Answer 6

Why would an omnipotent and omnibenevolent being allow pointless human and animal suffering - this seems irrational so there might be reasons we do not understand.

EG Fawn dying in a forest fire.

Question 7

Alston’s perspective on God

Answer 7

We cannot understand God as human perspective is limited. We can only perceive what might be part of the full picture.

Question 8

Platinga’s defence of God

Answer 8

God chooses to limit himself to allow for free will.

Question 9

Dostoyevsky’s criticism of God

Answer 9

In his book - the brothers of Karamazof - the character Ivan returns his ticket to heaven as he doesn’t want to spend eternity with a malevolent God.

Question 10

Augustine’s view on God and evil

Answer 10

(Influenced by the manichees)

Evil comes from falling away from goodness, therefore God isn’t responsible for it.

Question 11

Augustine’s explanation of moral evil

Answer 11

Adam and Eve disobeyed God and caused the corruption of human nature - so sinful behaviour are now an inherent aspect of being human.

Question 12

Augustine’s explanation of natural evil

Answer 12

The fall of the angles, including Satan, caused disharmony and imbalance in nature causing natural disasters. This was allowed by God as punishment for original sin and the fall.

Question 13

How does augustine argue that God is still loving?

Answer 13

As he has a rescue plan. Jesus allowed for the salvation of humanity so they have the opportunity to go to Heaven.

Question 14

Soul deciding theodicy (Augustine)

Answer 14

Those who reject Augustine’s ideas of evil will go to hell, those who accept them will go to heaven.

Question 15

Irenaeus’ theodicy

Answer 15

Humans were born in an immature state, meaning that evil and suffering are necessary for human growth and development to become more like God.

Question 16

Irenaeus’ explanation of moral and natural evil

Answer 16

Moral evil is a result of human action and natural evil is a natural process - they challenge humans and help them build qualities such as resilience.

Question 17

irenaeus’ view on reconciliation

Answer 17

He believed in the eventual redemption of creation where suffering and evil is only temporary in this world.

Question 18

Soul making theodicy (Irenaeus)

Answer 18

This moral evil/suffering caused by humans free will allows a free choice for humans to build a mature relationship with God.

Question 19

Hick’s ‘Vale of soul making’

Answer 19

The world is this ‘vale’ in which things happen to us for our own good.

Question 20

How did Hick develop Irenaeus’ theodicy to make it more modern?

Answer 20

Instead of defining suffering as unfortunate accident resulting from The Fall (due to the belief in evolution) - he instead perceived it as something God cannot fix.

Question 21

Hick’s ‘epistemic distance’

Answer 21

A distance in knowledge - God deliberately chooses to remain partially hidden from humanity so that we can make genuinely free choices.

Question 22

Hick quote

Answer 22

“The harshness of life…gives us a character that wouldn’t be possible without an imperfect world”

Question 23

Criticism of Augustine’s ‘falling away from goodness’

Answer 23

Evil appears to be much more serious than a lack of goodness.

EG a child abuser seems much more powerful than simply a lack of goodness.

Question 24

Criticism of augustine’s interpretation of natural evil

Answer 24

He gives no explanation as to why God let the angels fall into disobedience.

Question 25

Criticism of Irenaeus’ proportion of suffering

Answer 25

Some people suffer more than others - does God want us to grow towards spiritual maturity without peace/content?

Also some people seem to be made weaker as a result of suffering.

Question 26

Criticism of Irenaeus’ view on animal suffering

Answer 26

It is hard to explain if they have no soul - might also be hard for humans to learn from if they do not see it.

Question 27

Criticism of Irenaeus’ view on reason

Answer 27

People have mental issues (perhaps as a result of suffering) which disables them from thinking rationally.

Question 28

Mary Baker Eddy’s view of evil

Answer 28

Evil is some kind of illusion. Sin, sickness and death would disappear if they were understood as nothing.

Question 29

DZ Phillips criticism of Hick

Answer 29

It is not right to suggest that God allowed evil and suffering into his design of the world. This would be an evil God.

Question 30

Pelagius’ view on evil

Answer 30

Evil actions are better explained by social conditioning, called being ‘educated in evil’.

Question 31

Pelagius on original sin

Answer 31

If we have original sin and are thus completely unable to avoid doing evil, it would surely be unjust for God to punish us for our sinful behaviour.