1.1 Introduction
The existence of God and the problem of evil are two of the most fundamental and debated topics in philosophy, particularly in the fields of metaphysics and theology. The question of God's existence has been discussed for centuries, with numerous arguments proposed by both proponents and skeptics. Philosophical reasoning regarding God's existence often relies on various classical arguments such as the cosmological argument, the ontological argument, and the teleological argument, each attempting to offer rational explanations for the belief in a divine being (Craig, 2008).
On the other hand, the problem of evil presents a significant challenge to theistic belief systems, particularly the notion that an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God can coexist with the existence of evil and suffering in the world. The problem is especially poignant given the apparent contradiction between the existence of a perfectly good God and the presence of moral and natural evils that seem to contradict His nature (Mackie, 1955). Various philosophers have attempted to reconcile the existence of God with the presence of evil, proposing solutions such as the free will defense, the soul-making theodicy, and the notion of evil as a consequence of human actions (Plantinga, 1974; Hick, 2007).
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
One of the earliest articulations of the problem of evil came from the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE), who famously asked, "Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?" (Epicurus, 1955). This inquiry laid the groundwork for the logical problem of evil, which asserts that the existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of an all-powerful, all-good God.
During the medieval period, thinkers such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas addressed the problem of evil within the context of Christian theism. Augustine (354–430 CE) proposed that evil is not a substance in itself, but rather a privation of good, suggesting that evil exists due to the misuse of free will by moral agents. In contrast, Aquinas (1225–1274 CE), while accepting the existence of evil, argued that it is a consequence of human free will and that God permits evil for a greater good, such as the development of virtues (Aquinas, 1945). These views laid the foundation for later theodicies, defending God's goodness in the face of evil.
In the 18th century, the Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711–1776) raised significant challenges to theistic arguments by presenting the evidential problem of evil. Hume's critique focused on the apparent disproportion between the existence of suffering and the existence of a benevolent God. Hume's skepticism about the coherence of traditional theism in light of the problem of evil continues to influence contemporary discussions on the subject (Hume, 1779). The modern period saw the rise of prominent philosophers like Alvin Plantinga (1932–present), who in the 20th century developed the free will defense, arguing that the existence of evil can be reconciled with the existence of God through the concept of human free will. According to Plantinga, a world in which free agents are capable of making morally significant choices may necessarily include the possibility of evil (Plantinga, 1974). Similarly, John Hick's soul-making theodicy posited that evil and suffering play a crucial role in the development of moral and spiritual virtues (Hick, 2007).
The question of the existence of God has been a central concern in philosophy for centuries, with numerous thinkers and theologians attempting to provide rational arguments for or against the idea of a divine being. Philosophical discussions surrounding God's existence often focus on the nature of God as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent, and whether such a being can be reconciled with the existence of a world that contains evil and suffering. The classical arguments for the existence of God, such as the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, and the ontological argument, seek to demonstrate that belief in God is logically and metaphysically sound (Craig, 2008). However, despite the persistence of these arguments, the problem of evil presents a major challenge to traditional theism.
The problem of evil, articulated most famously by philosophers like Epicurus and David Hume, questions how a benevolent and all-powerful God can coexist with the existence of evil and suffering in the world. This issue is often referred to as a logical or evidential problem of evil, as it challenges the coherence of theistic beliefs. The problem of evil has led to various theodicies attempted defenses of God's goodness in light of evil. For example, Alvin Plantinga's free will defense suggests that evil is a result of the free choices made by moral agents, while John Hick's soul-making theodicy argues that evil serves as a necessary condition for the development of virtues such as courage and compassion (Plantinga, 1974; Hick, 2007). Despite these responses, the problem of evil remains a significant philosophical dilemma.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many scholars argue that the traditional arguments for God's existence, such as the cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments, lose their coherence when faced with the reality of evil (Mackie, 1955; Rowe, 1979). The failure of the classical theodicies, such as Augustine's free will defense and Aquinas's justification of evil for a greater good, further complicates the reconciliation of the existence of God with the persistence of suffering in the world.
Moreover, the challenge is not only philosophical but also existential. The problem of evil deeply impacts the way individuals understand their relationship with God and the nature of suffering. It raises critical questions about the fairness of divine providence and the moral structure of the universe. The emotional and psychological toll of human suffering, often without apparent reason or purpose, exacerbates the tension between the belief in a benevolent God and the harsh realities of life.
Thus, the problem of evil is both a logical and existential problem that challenges the coherence of theistic belief systems, making it essential to evaluate how these systems respond to the question of suffering and divine goodness.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to critically evaluate the philosophical problem of evil in relation to the existence of God. The objectives of the study are as follows:
- To explore the different forms of evil (moral, natural, and gratuitous) and their implications for the existence of God.
- To critically analyze the classical theistic arguments for the existence of God, such as the cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments, in the light of the problem of evil.
- To evaluate the most prominent theodicies, including the free will defense, the greater good defense, and the soul-making theodicy, and their ability to address the problem of evil.
- To examine the philosophical contributions of notable thinkers, such as Mackie, Rowe, Augustine, and Aquinas, regarding their solutions to the problem of evil.
- To assess the emotional and existential impact of the problem of evil on human beliefs about God, suffering, and the moral order of the universe.
- To propose possible ways in which the philosophical evaluation of the problem of evil can contribute to broader theological discussions on the nature of God and the meaning of suffering.
1.5 Significance of Study
The study will benefit theologians by providing a comprehensive analysis of how the problem of evil challenges traditional theological views on the existence of God, thereby enriching theological discourse. It will assist philosophers by offering a critical evaluation of various theodicies, encouraging deeper exploration into the nature of suffering and divine attributes.
The study will support religious practitioners in grappling with the existential implications of evil, helping them reconcile their faith with the realities of human suffering. It will also contribute to academic institutions by enhancing curricula related to philosophy of religion, ethics, and theology, providing students with valuable resources for critical thinking.
Finally, the study will inform public discourse, offering insights that might help in addressing real-world issues related to suffering, injustice, and the search for meaning in the face of evil.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the existence of god and the problem of evil a philosophical evaluation.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Existence of God: The concept of the existence of God pertains to the philosophical and theological inquiry into the nature and reality of God. Philosophers have debated whether there is sufficient evidence or logical reasoning to assert God's existence. This includes arguments such as the cosmological, ontological, and teleological arguments, which support the idea of a necessary, omnipotent, and omniscient being (Craig, 2008).
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