AOG: OMNIBENEVOLENCE Flashcards
What are the two different but connected meanings of omnibenevolence?
- That God is perfect.
2. That God is morally good.
Where is there Biblical evidence of God’s love being everlasting?
Psalm 118:1 - “his steadfast love endures forever.”
How is God’s love expressed?
Through judgement and forgiveness; his punishment of sin is because of his love for his people.
What is the word for love in the NT?
Agape.
What does Swineburne compare God’s love to?
That of a parent (rewarding/punishing).
What does Swineburne disagree with?
The notion that human freedom must include the freedom to damn ourselves if necessary.
How is God’s omnibenevolence shown today?
His immanence in the world today e.g. miracles at Lourdes and how he sustains nature.
Give an argument against God’s omnibenevolence.
Existence of evil poses a problem in relation to God’s benevolence - why didn’t he act during the Holocaust?
How did Epicurus define the problem of evil?
Is God able to prevent evil, but not willing to? Then he is malevolent (evil).
What are the three statements of the inconsistent triad?
- That God is perfectly good.
- That God is omnipotent.
- That evil and suffering exist.
Why did J.L Mackie describe the challenge of evil as ‘the logical problem’?
Because theists have to show that their beliefs make logical sense if they still believe in God despite evil existing.
What can also be used for the argument of God omnibenevolence?
Augustine and Irenaeus’ theodicies on the problem of evil.
What does Dawkins describe God of the OT as?
“capriciously malevolent bully.”
What does Mackie argue against God’s omnibenevolence?
“A wholly good omnipotent being would eliminate evil completely.”
Where is there evidence of contradictions in His nature?
Made a covenant with the Jews but many questioned this during the Holocaust.
