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Line 730: − − ==Atheism and the existence of evil== − − :''See also:'' [[Atheism and the Problem of Evil]] and [[Theodicy]] and [[Atheism and satanic deception]] and [[Atheism and hell]] − − Those who advocate atheism commonly state that the existence of evil is a problem for [[theism]] which holds to a good and powerful God.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html</ref> [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil.<ref>[http://creation.com/end-of-christianity-review The ‘problem’ of evil and the supremacy of Scripture]</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil.<ref>[http://jwwartick.com/2011/08/24/poe-job-answer/ What if? The “Job Answer” to the Problem of Evil]</ref> In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense when it comes to the subject of the existence of evil.<ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref><ref>http://bearspace.baylor.edu/Scott_Moore/www/handouts/free_will_defense.html</ref> The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in respect to theodicy.<ref>http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124</ref> Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]] of [[Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry]] states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil in relation to atheism: − [[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]]]] − {{cquote|...it is impossible to distinguish evil from good unless one has an infinite reference point which is absolutely good. Otherwise one is like a boat at sea on a cloudy night without a compass (i.e., there would be no way to distinguish north from south without the absolute reference point of the compass needle). − − The infinite reference point for distinguishing good from evil can only be found in the person of God, for God alone can exhaust the definition of "absolutely good." If God does not exist, then there are no moral absolutes by which one has the right to judge something (or someone) as being evil. More specifically, if God does not exist, there is no ultimate basis to judge the crimes of [[Adolph Hitler|Hitler]]. Seen in this light, the reality of evil actually requires the existence of God, rather than disproving it.<ref>http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Atheism.html</ref>}}
→Atheism and the existence of evil
23. In cultures not receptive to atheism, atheists appear to be more likely to be social outcasts (see: [[Atheism and social outcasts]]).
23. In cultures not receptive to atheism, atheists appear to be more likely to be social outcasts (see: [[Atheism and social outcasts]]).
==Atheism and the foundation of modern science==
==Atheism and the foundation of modern science==