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The Problem of Evil
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1. If G-d were to exist, G-d would be all-powerful, all-knowing and all-good.
2. A G-d who is all these things, would not allow (unnecessary) evil to exist.
3. There is (unnecessary) evil.
4. Therefore, G-d does not exist.
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Two Kinds of Evil
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1. There is evil that exists that is brought about by natural events and that is not within human control;
2. And there is human evil, i.e., evil brought about by human actions and for which human beings may be held responsible.
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Possible Responses to the Argument:
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1. Rejection of Premise Number 1:
- G-d is not really all-knowing; or
- G-d is not really all-good.
2. Rejection of Premise Number 2.
- construct a theodicy to show that G-d's being all PKG
is not incompatible with there being evil in the world.
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Some Defenses:
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1. Evil is a necessary counterpart to there being good in the world.
2. Evil is necessary as a means to persons' becoming good.
3. What looks like evil from one perspective is, in fact, part of a greater good.
4. The Soul-building, Soul-making defense.
5. The Free Will defense
6. The "G-d is a Great Mystery" or G-d Works in Mysterious Ways" defense
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Send comments to: Andreas Teuberr
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Last Modified: 03/26/08
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