The Ireneaen Theodicy Flashcards
Which modern day philosopher developed Irenaeus’ theodicy?
John Hick through describing the moral growth as “soul making”. God is at an epistemic distance (existence uncertain) so humans act out of virtue not fear. Goodness developed through choice is of higher value than goodness that is ready made.
Which section of Genesis does Irenaus draw inspiration from and how?
“Let is us make mankind in ur image, in our likeness”.
Image refers to humans as intelligent conscious beings with a moral nature
Likeness refers to the process humans go through from birth into growing into the likeness of God
This mean humans are not created perfect but have the potential to be perfect
Why didn’t God make humans perfect?
Irenaeus argues morality developed through hard work is intrinsically more valuable than a pre programmed robot morality. A ready made reality wouldn’t give us free will.
How else does Iranaeus disagree with Augustine?
He doesn’t believe the world was made perfect as moral development is only possible due to pain and suffering brought about by the existence of evil. In a world without pain our actions could have not moral consequences.
Why does God not intervene.
This would undermine human freedoms and take away from free will, only true moral development can be had through experiencing suffering; which god knows.
What does Swinburne argue?
Moral virtues we admire the most such as compassion, generosity are only possible in an imperfect world where the opposite exist. The value of this virtues are proportionate to the severity of suffering experienced.
What is a criticism of existence of suffering and what’s Iranaeus response?
That suffering can lead to moral degradation rather than soul making and they become less of the good virtues. To combat this Iranaeus argues that for suffering to be morally justified everyone much achieve perfection either in this life or in heaven through universal salvation.
What’s the criticism relates to the ends justifying the means?
If it’s not acceptable to do something bad to achieve something good then why does God deliberately create an imperfect world of suffering to achieve a high goal. How does the Holocaust cause moral development.
What’s the criticism regarding Iranaeus positive outlook on moral growth.
Not all suffering develops moral growth and in some cases does the opposite causing moral degradation so how can it be justified across the board and both outcomes are possible. How does a school shooting lead to moral growth.
What is the criticism relating to other ways to create moral growth?
Is suffering the only option to help people grow their moral development. Other events such as playing a team sport or preparing for an exam can positively effect somebody’s moral character without any suffering. So why didn’t God create a world with challenges such as these to create moral growth rather than extensive suffering.
Is universal salivation fair (criticism)?
What is the point in anyone being morally good if everyone makes it to heaven eventually. Therefore do any actions really have moral consequences if the outcome is always the same across the board.
