Difference between revisions of "Atheism and the Problem of Evil"
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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> | 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> | ||
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[[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]]]] | [[Image:Ron2.jpg|right|thumbnail|150px|Dr. [[Ron Rhodes]]]] | ||
| − | [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil. In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil. 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 | + | [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil. In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of [[Job]] is used to explain the existence of evil. 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> 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). | ||
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*[http://creation.com/atheism#problem-of-evil Atheism and the problem of evil] by [[Creation Ministries International]] | *[http://creation.com/atheism#problem-of-evil Atheism and the problem of evil] by [[Creation Ministries International]] | ||
| + | *[http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm The problem of evil] by Dennis McCallum | ||
| + | *[http://www.str.org/articles/augustine-on-evil Augustine on evil] | ||
| + | *[http://www.peterkreeft.com/topics/evil.htm Job and the problem of evil] | ||
*[http://www.existence-of-god.com/problem-of-evil.html The problem of evil] | *[http://www.existence-of-god.com/problem-of-evil.html The problem of evil] | ||
Revision as of 23:25, October 12, 2014
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. [1]
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. In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of Job is used to explain the existence of evil. In recent times Christian apologists often cite Alvin Plantinga's free will defense in regards to the logical problem of evil.[2] The work of St. Augustine is also cited in regards to theodicy.[3] Dr. Ron Rhodes of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministry states regarding this issue regarding the existence of evil:
| “ | ...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 Hitler. Seen in this light, the reality of evil actually requires the existence of God, rather than disproving it.[4] |
” |
Atheists, like Albert Einstein, maintain that morality is a matter of social ties and empathy and has nothing to do with fear of punishment or promise of reward.
See Also
External links
- Atheism and the problem of evil by Creation Ministries International
- The problem of evil by Dennis McCallum
- Augustine on evil
- Job and the problem of evil
- The problem of evil
Notes
- ↑ J. L. Mackie, "Evil and Omnipotence," Mind, New Series, Vol. 64, No. 254. (Apr., 1955), pp. 200-212. - EVIL AND OMNIPOTENCE
- ↑ Xenos Christian Fellowship - The Problem of Evil
- ↑ Stand to Reason - Augustine on Evil
- ↑ Ron Rhodes, Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries - Strategies for Dialoguing with Atheists