The problem of evil

Definition

The problem of evil is a philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent deity can coexist with the existence of evil and suffering in the world. This paradox challenges the notion of divine goodness and raises doubts about the nature of God, especially in light of scientific advancements that have influenced beliefs about morality and existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil is often summarized by the question: If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why is there evil in the world?
2. Philosophers such as Epicurus have historically framed this issue, posing it as a challenge to traditional religious beliefs.
3. Scientific advancements have led some people to rely more on empirical evidence and less on faith, further complicating the conversation around the problem of evil.
4. Different religions offer various responses to this dilemma, but common themes involve free will, testing faith, or the necessity of evil for greater goods.
5. The rise of secular humanism has provided alternative moral frameworks that do not depend on divine authority, influencing how society views morality in relation to suffering.

Review Questions

• How does the problem of evil challenge traditional views of an all-good and all-powerful deity?
  • The problem of evil challenges traditional views by highlighting the contradiction between the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God and the presence of suffering and injustice in the world. If God can prevent evil but does not, it raises questions about His goodness; if He is willing but unable to prevent it, it calls into question His omnipotence. This dilemma has led to various theological responses that attempt to reconcile these conflicting attributes.
• What role do scientific advancements play in shaping contemporary views on the problem of evil?
  • Scientific advancements have played a significant role in shaping contemporary views on the problem of evil by providing natural explanations for phenomena previously attributed to divine intervention. As people increasingly rely on scientific reasoning and evidence-based understanding, doubts about religious narratives grow stronger. This shift can lead individuals to question the existence or nature of God when confronted with suffering that seems incompatible with a loving deity.
• Evaluate how different philosophical perspectives address the problem of evil and their implications for understanding morality.
  • Different philosophical perspectives address the problem of evil in varied ways. Theodicy attempts to justify God's goodness despite evil's existence, while existentialism embraces suffering as part of human experience without necessarily attributing it to divine will. Naturalism denies supernatural explanations altogether, suggesting that moral values arise from human experiences rather than divine command. These perspectives influence how morality is understood; some emphasize inherent human dignity and responsibility without reliance on religious frameworks, while others maintain that moral truths are grounded in a divine context.

Related terms

Theodicy: An attempt to justify the goodness of God in the face of evil, providing explanations for why a benevolent deity would allow suffering.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often grappling with the inherent meaninglessness of life and the presence of suffering.

Naturalism:

A worldview that explains everything through natural laws and forces without invoking supernatural explanations, often leading to skepticism about religious claims.