Theodicy

Question 1

What is the six premise argument against the existence of God in light of the problem of theodicy?

Answer 1

1. If God exists, then God, being omniscient, knows of the existence of unnecessary pain and suffering in the world.
2. If God exists, then God, being omnipotent, can get rid of all unnecessary pain & suffering.
3. If God exists, then God, being wholly good, would get rid of all unnecessary pain & suffering.
4. If God exists, then there would be no unnecessary pain & suffering.
5. There is unnecessary pain & suffering in the world.
6. Therefore, God does not exist.

Question 2

What is the Ultimate Harmony defense to the problem of evil?

Answer 2

● What we experience as “evil” fits into a larger picture that is good.
● Humans lack omniscience and are unable to perceive the positive role that suffering plays in God’s good creation.
● This defense denies #5 (There is unnecessary suffering in the world), in the problem of evil argument. All suffering is in some way necessary, even though we aren’t always able to see the larger purpose of human suffering

Question 3

What is moral evil?

Answer 3

● Suffering that results from immoral human action.

● The Rwandan genocide is an example.

Question 4

What is natural evil?

Answer 4

● Suffering that results from natural disasters, diseases, genetic defects, etc.
● The 2004 Tsunami is an example.

Question 5

What is the free will defense?

Answer 5

● In order for Good to come into being, Bad must exist.
● Good also requires that humans have free will. God values Good so much that God is willing to put up with Bad & the Bad that results from the exercise of free will.

Question 6

What is the solidarity in suffering position?

Answer 6

● The Christian metanarrative outlines a certain way of responding to suffering.
● God is not aloof from suffering; he shares the suffering of his creatures.