Theism And The Problem Of Evil

The existence of evil in a world created by a being who is omnipotent, omniscient, and perfectly good is a longstanding and significant problem. This issue has troubled humanity for centuries, and the presence of natural disasters further complicates the problem. If God is indeed all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good, how can evil exist? If God created everything and is perfectly good, where does evil come from?

Atheists and agnostics often argue that the lack of evidence for God’s existence supports their position. However, atheists present a compelling argument against the existence of a benevolent, all-powerful God based on the prevalence of evil and suffering in the world. They question how a loving and omnipotent deity could allow so much suffering, particularly the suffering of innocent children. For instance, if you were a parent, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to prevent your children from unnecessary suffering? Given the existence of painful diseases affecting innocent children, how can we reconcile the presence of such a God?

In this study, we will explore the perspectives of philosophers who address the problem of evil and its implications for the existence of God. Our primary focus will be on theism and the problem of evil, which will be examined in detail in Chapter Four. Before delving into this main discussion, we will first explore the nature of evil, its various forms, and the different philosophical and religious explanations for its existence.

Chapter Four will specifically address the intersection of theism and the problem of evil. According to Augustine, evil is not a distinct entity but a privation of good; it is not created and cannot exist independently. John Hick, in his Greater Good Defense, offers insights into why evil exists. He argues that certain goods cannot be achieved without allowing us to struggle against evil and endure suffering. In this view, some evil is necessary to achieve certain greater goods, and the overall good resulting from these struggles outweighs the evil, which could not have been attained by any means that did not involve the presence of these evils