Problem of evil Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the inconsistent triangle theory?
It states that G-d has 2 distinct attributes:
- He is omnipotent
- He is omnibenevolent
However, there is still evil in the world which is inconsistent with G-d’s person
What is the logical problem of evil?
- If G-d is omniponent and chooses not to stop evil then he is not omnibenevolent
- If G-d is omnibenevolent and cannot stop evil, then he is not all powerful
- If G-d has neither of these attributes, then he is not truly G-d
Therefore, G-d must not exist
What is the evidential problem of evil?
- Our experience of the natural world points to 2 conclusions
- Either G-d does not have the characteristics traditionally attributed to him, or he does not exist
- We are unable to explain the abundance of evil in the world just from experience
- If the reason evil exists is for us to understand the value of goodness, then why can it not be in a smaller portion
What is a theodicy?
It is the attempt to explain why an omnipotent/benevolent G-d would permit suffering
Free will defence
The idea that G-d has given humanity free will to do good or evil, and the fall is where humanity chose to do evil and disobey G-d, this is why evil is in the world
Problems of the FWD
It is limited to explaining why moral evil occurs and God can also exist but does not solve the problem of natural evil
Soul making defence
Another defence made by John Hick who argued that God deliberately created us in a fashion where we could do evil, and earth was just a way to get us closer to him through toughening us up
Process theodicy
- States that God is changing like other entities (e.g. OT->NT)
- It solves the POE as it states God is not omnipotent, therefore he is unable to force us to be good but can only influence us
- Therefore, he cannot be seen as evil
- This, however, contradicts the main traditional belief of G-d’s character
