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== The Problem of Evil==

== The Problem of Evil==

One argument against belief in all-powerful entities ('gods') is the problem of evil. First identified by the philosopher and materialist Epicurus (341-270 BC), this problem points out the difficulty created by the mere existence of evil:

One argument against belief in all-powerful entities ('gods') is the existence of evil. Philosopher and materialist Epicurus (341-270 BC), wrote:

:Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.  

:Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.  

:Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?

:Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?

A number of responses to this logical paradox have been put forth including those which assert human ignorance as the culprit, the concept of free will and the specific writings in some faiths which discuss the co-existence of good and evil (such as the book of [[Job]] in the Christian and Jewish faiths).<ref>http://www.iep.utm.edu/e/evil-log.htm</ref>  In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetists]] cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the problem of evil. <ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref>

In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetists]] cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the existence of evil. <ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref>  Also, in traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of Job is used to explain the existence of evil. <ref>http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html</ref>

== The Problem of Origins==

== The Problem of Origins==