The Problem of Evil

Question 1

What is the problem of evil?

Answer 1

The problem of evil is the challenge that the existence of evil poses for faith in a God who is omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnibenevolent (all-good).

Question 2

What is a theodicy?

Answer 2

A theodicy is a defense of the justice of God in the light of the existence of evil. It seeks to explain why a good and all-powerful God would allow evil to exist.

Question 3

What is Augustine’s view on the problem of evil?

Answer 3

Augustine of Hippo proposed a theodicy based on the idea of original sin. He argued that evil entered the world through human free will and the misuse of it.

Question 4

What is the Augustinian tradition in theodicy?

Answer 4

The Augustinian tradition in theodicy follows Augustine’s view that free will, granted by God, is the source of all evil. God allowed humans to choose freely, which led to the existence of evil.

Question 5

What is natural evil?

Answer 5

Natural evil refers to causes of suffering within the natural world, such as disasters, disease, decay, and death, which are not caused by human actions.

Question 6

What is moral evil?

Answer 6

Moral evil refers to intentional human actions or inactions that result in suffering, such as murder, theft, or arguably, neglecting to vaccinate children.

Question 7

What is the evidential problem of evil?

Answer 7

The evidential problem of evil, proposed by William Rowe, argues that the amount of suffering in the world makes it improbable that God exists or unreasonable to believe in God’s existence.

Question 8

What is the logical problem of evil?

Answer 8

The logical problem of evil, supported by J. L. Mackie and David Hume, argues that the three statements—God is all-powerful, God is all-loving, and there is evil in the world—are logically inconsistent and cannot all be true.

Question 9

What is the free will defense?

Answer 9

The free will defense is the view that human free will explains and justifies the existence of evil in a world created by God. Free will allows for the possibility of evil, but it is necessary for genuine human freedom.

Question 10

What is John Hick’s vale of soul-making theodicy?

Answer 10

John Hick’s vale of soul-making theodicy is a modern interpretation of the Irenaean theodicy, arguing that both natural and moral evil are essential for the process of ‘soul-making,’ where individuals develop spiritually and morally.

Question 11

What is the Irenaean theodicy?

Answer 11

The Irenaean theodicy, following the teachings of Bishop Irenaeus, argues that humanity develops through encountering and overcoming evil. Therefore, evil has a purpose: it helps humans grow and mature spiritually.

Question 12

What is the concept of evil?

Answer 12

The concept of evil is central to the argument against the existence of God. For non-believers, evil is simply a part of the natural world. However, for theists who believe in an omnipotent, omniscient, and all-good God, evil presents one of the most difficult challenges to their faith.

Question 13

What are the two types of evil?

Answer 13

The two types of evil are moral evil and natural evil. Moral evil results from human actions, while natural evil refers to suffering caused by natural events or conditions.

Question 14

What is moral evil?

Answer 14

Moral evil is the suffering caused by morally wrong human actions, such as murder, theft, torture, and emotional abuse. It is caused by deliberate human actions and is within human control.

Question 15

What is an example of moral evil?

Answer 15

A major example of moral evil is the Holocaust, where six million Jews were murdered in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Other examples include events like the September 11th attacks.

Question 16

What is natural evil?

Answer 16

Natural evil refers to suffering caused by natural events, such as diseases, illnesses, birth defects, and natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods.

Question 17

What is an example of natural evil?

Answer 17

An example of natural evil is the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004, which caused immense destruction and loss of life.

Question 18

What is the logical problem of evil?

Answer 18

The logical problem of evil argues that the existence of evil is logically inconsistent with the attributes of God—being omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving. The three concepts cannot all be true at the same time, according to this argument.

Question 19

Who first formulated the logical problem of evil?

Answer 19

The logical problem of evil was first formulated by the Greek philosopher Epicurus and further developed by David Hume and J.L. Mackie.

Question 20

What is the inconsistent triad in the logical problem of evil?

Answer 20

The inconsistent triad consists of three statements: God is omnipotent, God is all-loving, and evil exists in the world. According to this problem, these three ideas cannot all be true simultaneously.

Question 21

What was Aquinas’ argument regarding the existence of God and evil?

Answer 21

Aquinas argued that if God is defined as “infinite goodness,” then it would be impossible for such a being to exist if there is even the smallest amount of evil in the world.

Question 22

What is the evidential problem of evil?

Answer 22

The evidential problem of evil, proposed by William Rowe, argues that the existence of unnecessary suffering in the world makes it improbable that a good and omnipotent God exists.

Question 23

What is Rowe’s view on pointless suffering?

Answer 23

William Rowe argues that pointless suffering, such as the suffering of a fawn in a forest fire or the abuse and murder of a child, is evidence against the existence of an omnipotent, omniscient, and all-good God. He believes such suffering does not lead to any greater good.

Question 24

What is the main conclusion of the evidential problem of evil?

Answer 24

Rowe concludes that intense and pointless suffering makes it unlikely that an omnipotent, omniscient, all-good God exists because such a being would prevent unnecessary suffering.

Question 25

What is the logical structure of the evidential problem of evil?

Answer 25

The evidential problem is structured around the idea that there is intense suffering in the world that an omnipotent, omniscient being could prevent without compromising a greater good. Therefore, such a being is unlikely to exist.

Question 26

Who supported Rowe’s argument about suffering?

Answer 26

John Stuart Mill supported Rowe’s argument, as well as his criticism of the design argument, which holds that suffering disproves the idea of a benevolent designer.

Question 27

What is the problem of evil?

Answer 27

The problem of evil is the challenge that the existence of evil and suffering poses to the belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving God.

Question 28

What is a theodicy?

Answer 28

A theodicy is a defense of God's justice in light of the existence of evil, attempting to explain why evil exists while maintaining God's classical attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and all-loving.

Question 29

What does Augustine's theodicy argue?

Answer 29

Augustine argues that evil could not have come from God, as God’s creation was perfect. Evil is a result of free will, and suffering is a punishment for sin.

Question 30

What is Augustine's view on God's creation?

Answer 30

Augustine believed that God created a perfect world, and suffering and evil were not part of God's original creation.

Question 31

How does Augustine define evil?

Answer 31

Augustine defined evil as a "privation," or a lack of good, rather than a substance. He used the example of blindness as a lack of sight to illustrate this.

Question 32

What is the role of free will in Augustine’s theodicy?

Answer 32

Augustine believed that free will allowed angels and humans to turn away from God, bringing both moral and natural evil into the world.

Question 33

How does Augustine explain natural evil?

Answer 33

Augustine saw natural evil as a fitting punishment for human sin. When humans sinned, it disrupted the order of the universe, leading to natural evil.

Question 34

What is Augustine's view on original sin?

Answer 34

Augustine believed all humans inherit the "original sin" of Adam and Eve, and both moral and natural evil are punishments for this sin.

Question 35

Why doesn't God intervene to stop suffering in Augustine's view?

Answer 35

God does not intervene because suffering is a deserved punishment for sin, and God's justice must be upheld.

Question 36

What is Augustine's view on God's mercy?

Answer 36

Augustine emphasized that God is not only just but also merciful. He sent Jesus to save humanity, offering salvation to those who believe in Christ.

Question 37

How does Augustine resolve the issue of God's responsibility for evil?

Answer 37

Augustine argued that God is not responsible for evil; it is the result of free will and sin. Evil and suffering are deserved punishments, not God's fault.

Question 38

What does Augustine argue about salvation?

Answer 38

Augustine argued that those who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved, while those who reject God will face punishment in Hell.

Question 39

How does Augustine defend God’s omnipotence and goodness?

Answer 39

Augustine defended God's omnipotence and goodness by asserting that evil and suffering are justified as punishments for sin, and God is just and merciful in offering salvation through Jesus Christ.

Question 40

Concept/Question

Answer 40

Answer

Question 41

What is Brian Davies' view on evil?

Answer 41

Brian Davies supports the idea that evil is not a substance but a privation of good, meaning it is not created by God, which allows God to remain omnipotent and omnibenevolent.

Question 42

What does Swinburne argue about free will?

Answer 42

Swinburne argues that free will is valuable and justifies the risk of evil. For believers, free will must exist for faith to be meaningful, and it highlights God's benevolence and omnipotence.

Question 43

What is Alvin Plantinga's view on free will and moral evil?

Answer 43

Alvin Plantinga argues that if God designed humans to always choose good, they would not be truly free. Therefore, the possibility of moral evil is necessary for genuine free will.

Question 44

How does Augustine account for natural evil?

Answer 44

Augustine explains that natural evil results from the loss of balance in nature caused by sin. He states that “all evil is either a sin or the punishment for sin,” meaning God is not responsible for natural evil.

Question 45

What is the Biblical authority in Augustine's theodicy?

Answer 45

Augustine’s theodicy is based on the Genesis account of creation, which gives it Biblical authority and appeals to Christians who view the Bible as the direct word of God.

Question 46

How does the concept of Judgment Day support Augustine’s theodicy?

Answer 46

Christians believe in Judgment Day, where good people will go to heaven, and sinners will go to Hell. This punishment for evil demonstrates that God’s actions are just, making Augustine's theodicy valid.

Question 47

What is the scientific error in Augustine's theodicy?

Answer 47

Augustine’s idea that the world was created perfect but later damaged by sin conflicts with Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which shows the universe developed gradually, not as a perfect creation that fell from grace.

Question 48

What is the issue with the fossil record and Augustine's view?

Answer 48

The fossil record shows no evidence of a perfect time, and evolution suggests a gradual increase in intelligence, not a dramatic decline from a "perfect" state, as Augustine implies.

Question 49

What is the problem with Augustine's use of the Genesis creation story?

Answer 49

Science shows that the Genesis creation story is not literally true, which undermines the idea of original sin caused by the actions of Adam and Eve, as these figures and the Garden of Eden are myths.

Question 50

What is the logical error in Augustine’s view of a perfect creation?

Answer 50

Friedrich Schleiermacher pointed out that if the world was created perfect, it should never have gone wrong. Evil cannot arise from perfection, making Augustine’s belief in a perfect creation that could fall into evil logically inconsistent.

Question 51

What is the moral error regarding God's omniscience and creation?

Answer 51

If God is omniscient and knew that evil would result from His creation, it would have been better for Him not to create the world at all.

Question 52

What is the moral issue with original sin?

Answer 52

The concept of original sin, where people inherit guilt and punishment for Adam’s sin, is considered unfair by modern standards, as individuals should not be punished for the actions of someone else.

Question 53

What is the basis of Hick’s Vale of Soul-Making Theodicy?

Answer 53

Hick’s theodicy is based on Irenaeus’ belief that evil plays a valuable role in God's plan for human development. Humans were created imperfect, with the potential to develop into perfection.

Question 54

How does Hick’s theodicy view human freewill?

Answer 54

Hick argues that freewill is necessary for humans to grow morally and spiritually. If humans were created perfect, they would be like robots, and their love for God would have no value.

Question 55

What is epistemic distance in Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 55

Epistemic distance refers to the distance in knowledge between humans and God. This distance allows humans to freely choose good or evil without being overwhelmed by God's presence.

Question 56

Why does Hick believe evil is necessary?

Answer 56

Hick believes that evil is necessary for “soul-making” because it allows humans to develop positive qualities such as love, courage, and honor. Moral and spiritual growth comes through responding to challenges and suffering.

Question 57

What is Hick’s view on the ultimate fate of humans?

Answer 57

Hick proposes universalism, claiming that everyone will eventually be perfected and enter heaven. This process of "soul-making" continues after death.

Question 58

What does Hick argue about God’s responsibility for evil?

Answer 58

Hick suggests that God is partly responsible for evil because it is essential for moral and spiritual development. He argues that a world without challenges would be morally static and not allow for growth.

Question 59

What does Gil Edwards argue in support of Hick?

Answer 59

Gil Edwards supports Hick’s view, stating that qualities like courage and trust can only arise through suffering, and that suffering is necessary for humans to develop morally and spiritually.

Question 60

How does Peter Vardy support Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 60

Vardy uses Kierkegaard’s analogy of a king who allows a peasant girl to choose freely to marry him, demonstrating that love and goodness developed by free choice are more valuable than compelled love.

Question 61

What does Swinburne say about suffering in Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 61

Swinburne argues that it is necessary for God to allow suffering, even extreme suffering, so humans can mature. Continuous intervention by God would prevent moral development, like an overprotective parent.

Question 62

How does Hick’s theodicy align with modern scientific theory?

Answer 62

Hick’s theodicy aligns with the theory of evolution, which suggests that humans were not created perfect but are developing morally and spiritually over time, much like Hick’s view of soul-making.

Question 63

What is the problem with the extent of suffering according to critics?

Answer 63

Critics argue that the extent and severity of suffering, such as the deaths of six million Jews in the Holocaust, cannot be justified as necessary for moral development.

Question 64

What is D.Z. Phillips’ critique of Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 64

D.Z. Phillips argues that suffering cannot be justified as part of a loving plan. He questions how the suffering of a child could ever be seen as loving, challenging the logic of Hick’s view.

Question 65

Does suffering always lead to soul-making?

Answer 65

No, critics argue that many instances of suffering, such as the Holocaust, seem to produce only misery rather than moral or spiritual development. Many instances of suffering seem pointless and cause only greater suffering.

Question 66

What is the issue with inconsistent distribution of suffering in Hick’s view?

Answer 66

Critics argue that if suffering is essential for development, it is unfair that some people experience little suffering while others endure extreme pain. This raises questions about the fairness of God’s distribution of evil.

Question 67

What is John Hick's approach to the problem of suffering in his negative theodicy?

Answer 67

Hick argues that suffering, both moral and natural, is necessary for "soul-making" and that the world was not created to be a paradise but a place for humans to develop spiritually and morally.

Question 68

What is the divine purpose in creating the world, according to Hick?

Answer 68

Hick suggests that God's purpose is not to create a hedonistic paradise but a world in which free beings can face challenges and grow into “children of God” and “heirs of eternal life.”

Question 69

What is the concept of "soul-making" in Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 69

"Soul-making" refers to the process through which humans develop moral and spiritual qualities by facing life’s challenges and hardships. The world is designed to help humans grow towards perfection.

Question 70

What does Hick mean by "negative theodicy"?

Answer 70

Negative theodicy refers to the idea that we cannot positively prove that every instance of suffering serves a divine purpose, but we can argue that a world without suffering would not allow for soul-making or moral growth.

Question 71

How does Hick respond to the idea that a world created by a benevolent God should be a paradise?

Answer 71

Hick rejects the idea that God’s purpose was to create a hedonistic paradise. He argues that a world without suffering or challenges would prevent moral development and make virtues like courage and generosity meaningless.

Question 72

How would a hedonistic paradise affect ethical concepts, according to Hick?

Answer 72

In a paradise without suffering or danger, concepts like right and wrong, courage, and generosity would have no meaning, as there would be no challenges to overcome or actions to be taken.

Question 73

Why does Hick argue that a world with general laws and challenges is necessary for human moral development?

Answer 73

Hick believes that a world with consistent laws and real dangers is necessary for humans to develop virtues such as courage, generosity, and kindness. Without challenges, moral qualities could not form.

Question 74

What would a world without suffering look like, according to Hick?

Answer 74

Hick imagines a world where nature operates on "special providences," with no enduring laws, no danger, and no need for ethical actions. It would be a world where humans would float aimlessly without challenges or growth.

Question 75

What does Hick mean by “the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to”?

Answer 75

Hick refers to the inherent hardships and suffering that humans experience in life as necessary for spiritual and moral growth. These “natural shocks” are part of the soul-making process.

Question 76

How does Hick critique the idea of a perfect, pain-free world?

Answer 76

Hick argues that a perfect, pain-free world would be the "worst of all possible worlds" because it would not allow for the development of moral virtues and personal growth.

Question 77

How does Hick’s view align with Irenaeus' idea of humans as "imperfect" beings?

Answer 77

Like Irenaeus, Hick believes humans were created in the image of God but not yet in His likeness. The world serves as the environment where humans undergo the difficult process of moral and spiritual development.

Question 78

What is the main point of Hick's argument about the necessity of suffering in the world?

Answer 78

Hick argues that suffering is not a sign of divine failure but a necessary component of a world designed for human growth. A world without suffering would not allow for the formation of the highest moral and spiritual qualities.

Question 79

How does Hick’s theodicy address the problem of natural evils like earthquakes and floods?

Answer 79

Hick acknowledges that natural evils exist and are part of the world’s design. He argues that such evils are necessary for moral and spiritual development, even though they cannot always be directly linked to human wrongdoing.

Question 80

What is the role of free will in Hick’s theodicy?

Answer 80

Free will is central to Hick’s theodicy, as it allows humans to choose to face challenges, grow spiritually, and develop morally. Without free will, moral growth and soul-making would be impossible.

Question 81

How does Hick’s theodicy fit within the Christian framework of salvation?

Answer 81

Hick’s theodicy aligns with Christian teachings by emphasizing that the purpose of life is to grow spiritually and prepare for salvation. The challenges and suffering in the world are part of the process of becoming "children of God" and attaining eternal life.