The Problem of Evil “Evil has no positive nature but the loss of good has received the name of evil” said St. Augustine.The problem comes from the fact that if there is a deity that is all good, all knowing and all powerful, how can evil exist? The problem of evil (or argument from evil) is the problem of reconciling the existence of the evil in the world with the existence of an omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful) and perfectly good God. The argument from evil is the atheistic argument that the existence of such evil cannot be reconciled with, and so disproves, the existence of such a God. Therefore, the “problem of evil” presents a significant issue. Mackie theorizes there is no possibility all three facts can be true and coexist together.
Yet when some of good is removed from this wholly good creation... then he uses these good, created talents... for evil ends." If people lose evil, why would God still allow evil to exist? If our decision is made already for us then the good choices should be made, and no one should ever lose their good ways. The argument is made that maybe then we have "free will" with our decision making as humans. Then if it is true that humans have free will then would that not make us as powerful as God himself.
Epicurus questions how and why evil exists if God is omnipotent and omnibenevolent. He understands that God cannot be both all-powerful and all-loving if evil exists since s/he would then be limited in power and love. This means that God either does not have the power to stop evil or God is no so loving and will allow evil in the world. I will analyze Epicurus’ question through John Hick’s theodicy of soul making. Argument Because of imperfections in the world and humanity, evil exists.
Morality and Meaning The Road “The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live” thats a quote by Ayn Ran I believe we all have moral standards. Morality describes the principles that govern our behavior. Without these principles in place, societies cannot survive for long. In today's world, morality is frequently thought of as belonging to a particular religious point of view, but by definition, we see that this is not the case. Everyone has a moral mind (perhaps compas?)
Also, God created humans so is he counted somewhat guilty of the evil in the world because his creations cause it? In conclusion, Richard Swinburne argues that God and evil can exist at the same time with the Free Will Theodicy. He believes that God is not the cause of evil, but humans and their free will to make choices. But I thought it would be interesting to ask where natural evil came from because according to Paley’s “Argument from Design” organic life probably has a designer, so it makes me curious to know if it does have one and of so,
Everyone is born innocent and good. However, as some people get older they develop an evil side. For some this evil side will dominate the good with which they were born. An individual’s environment and experiences can change a person as time progresses. A once good person can become evil when they are put into negative situations.
“The Problem of Evil” is simply the question, why does God allow evil to happen? God is omnipotent, omniscient, all-loving, and rational, therefore why does evil exist? There is either no God or he is not what we think he is, since evil could be prevented by him with no risk. Atheists and anti-theodicist see a problem with the idea that God could prevent evil. They believe that because God is so powerful and perfect, that he would not allow such immoral actions to be done.
Humans have the ability to stop there from being evil but choose not to. Next arises the question if there is free will, why is there natural evil? The most suitable solution to this question is as consequences of humans moral evil there is natural evil and suffering. Without freewill we would not be morally responsible or capable or loving or God. A robot made to love is not worth much compared to a living being who chooses to love!
In the short statement by the poet Horace, he states that adversity, or struggle, can build character. “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” Horace claims that in the face of hardship, one can learn, adapt and act accordingly thus awakening skills that would not be present if not faced with the tasks. This claim I believe to not only be true but to also be the reason as to why we have been able to make it so far as a species. As we grow we are taught many sayings that pertain to the need to rise above, and overcome. Quotes such as “survival ofthe fittest”, “the law of the jungle”, “eat or be eaten”, “every man for themselves”, the list goes on.
I believe that people are not born evil because throughout growing up every person is determining what is right from wrong with how others respond, whether it be positively or negatively. There are many different ways anyone can determine whether their actions are more towards the evil side than good. People might not recognize that they are hurting other individuals more than helping them. From the book, ‘Uncharted Territory’ created by Jim Burke, David Brooks wrote ‘The Humility Code’ based on morals he believed in. David Brooks moral code number 7 states, “If you make disciplined, caring choices, you are slowly engraving certain tendencies into your mind.