Problem of evil Flashcards
Logical problem of evil
The existence of evil is logically inconsistent with the existence of the God of classical theism – God defined as omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient.
Epicurus’ logical problem of evil
If God knows about our suffering, cares about our suffering, and can do something about our suffering, then there shouldn’t be any suffering.
Epicurus quote
“Is he both able and willing? Why is there evil?”
Mackie’s logical problem of evil
The inconsistent triad.
God cannot be both omnibenevolent and omnipotent simultaneously if evil exists.
Mill’s evidential problem of evil
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.
Rowe’s criticism of God
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.
Alston’s perspective on God
We cannot understand God as human perspective is limited. We can only perceive what might be part of the full picture.
Platinga’s defence of God
God chooses to limit himself to allow for free will.
Dostoyevsky’s criticism of God
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.
Augustine’s view on God and evil
(Influenced by the manichees)
Evil comes from falling away from goodness, therefore God isn’t responsible for it.
Augustine’s explanation of moral evil
Adam and Eve disobeyed God and caused the corruption of human nature - so sinful behaviour are now an inherent aspect of being human.
Augustine’s explanation of natural evil
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.
How does augustine argue that God is still loving?
As he has a rescue plan. Jesus allowed for the salvation of humanity so they have the opportunity to go to Heaven.
Soul deciding theodicy (Augustine)
Those who reject Augustine’s ideas of evil will go to hell, those who accept them will go to heaven.
Irenaeus’ theodicy
Humans were born in an immature state, meaning that evil and suffering are necessary for human growth and development to become more like God.
Irenaeus’ explanation of moral and natural evil
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.
irenaeus’ view on reconciliation
He believed in the eventual redemption of creation where suffering and evil is only temporary in this world.
Soul making theodicy (Irenaeus)
This moral evil/suffering caused by humans free will allows a free choice for humans to build a mature relationship with God.
Hick’s ‘Vale of soul making’
The world is this ‘vale’ in which things happen to us for our own good.
How did Hick develop Irenaeus’ theodicy to make it more modern?
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.
Hick’s ‘epistemic distance’
A distance in knowledge - God deliberately chooses to remain partially hidden from humanity so that we can make genuinely free choices.
Hick quote
“The harshness of life…gives us a character that wouldn’t be possible without an imperfect world”
Criticism of Augustine’s ‘falling away from goodness’
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.
Criticism of augustine’s interpretation of natural evil
He gives no explanation as to why God let the angels fall into disobedience.
Criticism of Irenaeus’ proportion of suffering
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.
Criticism of Irenaeus’ view on animal suffering
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.
Criticism of Irenaeus’ view on reason
People have mental issues (perhaps as a result of suffering) which disables them from thinking rationally.
Mary Baker Eddy’s view of evil
Evil is some kind of illusion. Sin, sickness and death would disappear if they were understood as nothing.
DZ Phillips criticism of Hick
It is not right to suggest that God allowed evil and suffering into his design of the world. This would be an evil God.
Pelagius’ view on evil
Evil actions are better explained by social conditioning, called being ‘educated in evil’.
Pelagius on original sin
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.
