The Problem of Evil

Is Theism Compatible with the Existence of Evil?

  1. The Problem:

    1. God exists -

      1. Omnipotent
      2. Omniscient
      3. Omnibenevlolent

    2. Evil exists -

      1. Natural
      2. Moral

    3. If A and B are true, then either

      1. God cannot prevent evil, or
      2. God doesn't know about evil, or
      3. God doesn't care about evil

  2. Possible Solutions:

    1. Denial -

      1. What we take to be evil is not evil
      2. There is no logical inconsistency between God's existence and evil's existence.

    2. Theodicy - God is justified in allowing evil

      1. The Greater Good Argument - Irenaeus (c. 130 - c. 202 CE)

        1. Evil is logically necessary for good
        2. Evil is necessary for spiritual growth

      2. The Free Will Argument - Augustine (c. 354 - 430 CE)

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