The Problem of EvilPlan

Intro “There is a problem about why God allows evil,

and if the theist does not have… a satisfactory answer to it, then his belief in God is less than rational.” (Swinburne)

Nature of evil = natural/moral

What is the problem? Philosophical problem: God’s attributes vs. evil

and suffering Theological problem: Does this mean God does

not exist? Logical impossibility Inconsistent triad

#1 Irenaen Theodicy God did not make a perfect world, evil has a part

to play and will be overcome eventually, allowing perfection in heaven

“God’s image” (Gen. 1:26) to God’s likeness, Gen. is metaphorical

John Hick: “soul making” and goodness of robots = valueless, God must be at epistemic distance, Peter Cole: “The presence of evil helps people to grow and develop.”

Natural evil allows us to develop compassion, free will = moral evil

Strengths Maintains God’s attributes: evil and suffering are

chances for humans to become perfect Suffering will be compensated for as humans will

be perfect in heaven God loves humans, he gave us the chance to

become his likeness

Weaknesses If everyone goes to heaven, there is no

motivation to do good Why is the process of perfection taking so long? Good can develop without suffering, and end

doesn’t justify means

#2 Process theodicy A.N. Whitehead, David Griffin God is not omnipotent and did not create ex

nihilo. He is a co-sufferer, and started the evolutionary

process He can guide humans but not control us He is developing too

Strengths Reality is continuous so there are endless

possibilities God is a co-sufferer so he is accessible Maintains omni-benevolence

Weaknesses Griffin: “God is responsible in the sense of having

urged the creation forward.” Doesn’t explain what God’s nature is, does not

maintain his attributes. Is a limited God worth worshipping? If God is benevolent, he should not have created

the world.