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Line 1: − In regards to '''atheism and the problem of evil''', atheists state that the existence of evil is a problem for [[theism]] which holds to a good and powerful God.<ref>Rick Rood, Probe Ministries - [http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html The Problem of Evil]</ref> [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil.<ref>Encarta Dictionary - [http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861719540/theodicy.html "theodicy"]</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil.<ref>Robert M. Bowman Jr. - [http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html The Book of Job: God's Answer to the Problem of Evil]</ref> In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the existence of evil.<ref>Xenos Christian Fellowship - [http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm The Problem of Evil]</ref><ref>Dr. Scott H. Moore - [http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/handouts/free_will_defense.html Comments on Alvin Plantinga's "Free Will Defense"]</ref> The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in regards to theodicy.<ref>Stand to Reason - [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124 Augustine on Evil]</ref> Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]] of [[Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry]] states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Atheism and the Problem of Evil (view source)
Revision as of 16:54, November 18, 2009
, 16:54, November 18, 2009Made the introductory statement more precise. Split the article into sections on [a] the argument, [b] defences. Added a formal statement of the argument by W.L. Rowe.
[[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]]]]
[[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]]]]
The problem of evil is a collection of philosophical arguments which claim that the existence of evil in the world contradicts the belief that there exists a God who is both wholly good and omnipotent. <ref>J. L. Mackie, "Evil and Omnipotence," Mind, New Series, Vol. 64, No. 254. (Apr., 1955), pp. 200-212. - [http://www.ditext.com/mackie/evil.html EVIL AND OMNIPOTENCE]</ref>
== Stating the Problem of Evil ==
The philosopher of religion [[William L. Rowe]] states the evidential problem of evil as follows <ref>William L. Rowe, “The Problem of Evil and Some Varieties of Atheism,” American Philosophical Quarterly, 16: 335-41 - [http://www.uta.edu/philosophy/faculty/burgess-jackson/Rowe]</ref>:
R1) There exist instances of intense suffering which an omnipotent, omniscient being could have prevented without thereby losing some greater good or permitting some evil equally bad or worse.
R2) An omniscient, wholly good being would prevent the occurrence of any intense suffering it could, unless it could not do so without thereby losing some greater good or permitting some evil equally bad or worse.
C) There does not exist an omnipotent, omniscient, wholly good being.
== Defences to the Problem of Evil ==
[[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil.<ref>Encarta Dictionary - [http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861719540/theodicy.html "theodicy"]</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil.<ref>Robert M. Bowman Jr. - [http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html The Book of Job: God's Answer to the Problem of Evil]</ref> In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the logical problem of evil.<ref>Xenos Christian Fellowship - [http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm The Problem of Evil]</ref><ref>Dr. Scott H. Moore - [http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/handouts/free_will_defense.html Comments on Alvin Plantinga's "Free Will Defense"]</ref> The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in regards to theodicy.<ref>Stand to Reason - [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124 Augustine on Evil]</ref> Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]] of [[Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry]] states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil:
{{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).
{{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).