The Problem of Evil: Logical Problem

In this post, I would like to take a look at what is known as The Problem of Evil. More specifically, I want to look at the Logical Problem of Evil.


The Problem of Evil is a philosophical argument against the existence of God. It comes in two main forms: The Logical Problem, and the Evidential Problem. For now we will focus on the logical problem.


Here is the Logical Argument:


1. God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), and omnibenevolent (all good).


2. So this means that God is aware of evil, is able to stop it, and would be inclined to do so. Yet evil exists.


3. Therefore, God does not exist.


Solution to the Logical Problem


The Logical problem of evil asserts that a contradiction exists between these three qualities of God and the existence of evil. However, this argument can be refuted rather easily. All one has to do is show that God could allow the existence of evil for the sake of a greater good. What could that greater good be? One suggestion is that it is free will. Human free will is a valuable thing, and in order for it to exist, the possibility for evil must also exist. Aside from that, we also see instances where evil ends up working out for the good. For example, a person who experiences a rough time in their life and ends up having faith in God because of it. I would also like to point out the fact that many people seem to agree that suffering helps us to become better people. It is often a sort of fire that tests us and helps us to become better people. So for these reasons (and possibly others as well), it would seem that the logical problem isn't as difficult as it at first may seem.


The End?

Of course not, this is only the begining of our study of this problem. I will attempt to deal with the evidential problem shortly.


-God bless and Jesus loves you!!


PS: Remember to ask questions if you have any!!