The Problem of Evil
Problems of Evil
Theodicies
Logical Problem
Evidential Problem
St. Augustine of Hippo
Irenaeus
God can't be omniscient, omnibenevolent, omnipotent and evil exist in the world simultaneously
If God were all-knowing, it seems that God would know about all of the horrible things that happen in our world.
If God were all-powerful, God would be able to do something about all of the evil and suffering.
If God were morally perfect, then surely God would want to do something about the suffering.
The very fact that evil exists is enough evidence against the existence of God.
Moral evils result from the intentions or negligence of moral agents.
Natural evils are bad states of affairs which do not result from the intentions or negligence of moral agents.
We are created in God's likeness but not his image.
God is perfect. We need to acquire perfection through growth and development.
Evil and suffering must exist in order to allow us to develop higher virtues.
Evil is not created but is a privation. In absence of good there is evil.
To understand morality both good and evil must exist
The 'aesthetic' argument. Both light and shade are necessary to create aesthetic beatuy. Both good and evil are necessary to create 'moral beauty'