The problem of evil

Definition

The problem of evil refers to the philosophical challenge of reconciling the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the belief in a benevolent, omniscient, and omnipotent deity. This dilemma raises questions about why a good God would allow bad things to happen, directly impacting various discussions surrounding miracles, scientific explanations, divine attributes, and social justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil presents a significant challenge to religious believers by questioning the nature of God and the validity of faith in a just deity.
2. Philosophers like Epicurus and more recently, J.L. Mackie have articulated various forms of the problem of evil to illustrate contradictions between faith and observable reality.
3. Responses to the problem include free will defenses, which argue that evil is a necessary consequence of granting humans free will.
4. The existence of miracles is often debated in relation to the problem of evil, as they raise questions about why divine intervention occurs in some cases but not in others.
5. Addressing the problem of evil also intersects with social justice and human rights issues, as it prompts discussions on how religious beliefs can motivate efforts to alleviate suffering in society.

Review Questions

• How does the problem of evil challenge traditional views about divine attributes like omnibenevolence?
  • The problem of evil directly challenges the belief in an all-good God by questioning how such a being can allow suffering and injustice to exist. If God is omnibenevolent, one would expect Him to prevent harm. This contradiction leads to various philosophical explorations, suggesting that either God's nature or His power must be redefined or understood differently in light of the existence of evil.
• Discuss how scientific explanations for natural disasters relate to religious beliefs about the problem of evil.
  • Scientific explanations for natural disasters highlight a contrast between understanding events through natural laws versus attributing them to divine will. When disasters occur, believers might struggle with their faith, questioning how an omnipotent deity could permit such suffering. This relationship forces religious thinkers to consider whether these events serve a greater purpose or are merely a part of an indifferent natural order.
• Evaluate the implications of the problem of evil for social justice initiatives within religious communities.
  • The problem of evil has profound implications for social justice initiatives, as it compels religious communities to confront suffering actively rather than passively accepting it as God's will. By grappling with this dilemma, faith-based organizations often find motivation to promote human rights and alleviate suffering. The response to the problem can shape their ethical frameworks and encourage advocacy for marginalized groups affected by societal injustices.

Related terms

Theodicy:

Theodicy is the defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil, often attempting to explain why God permits suffering.

Natural Evil: Natural evil refers to suffering caused by natural events, such as earthquakes or diseases, which are not a direct result of human actions.

Moral Evil: Moral evil encompasses the wrongdoing caused by humans, including acts of injustice, violence, and cruelty that lead to suffering.