The problem of evil can be defined as the problem of reconciling the presence of evil with the existence of an omniscient, omnipotent and a perfectly good God (Holt, 2008). This theory surrounds the God of classical theism in which Epicurus formulated. The theory states that God is known as an all-knowing, all powerful and all loving being and therefore, how can suffering be existent in a world where God is all- powerful. Augustine made a comment saying “Either God cannot abolish evil, or he will not: if he cannot then he is not ‘all powerful’; if he will not, he is not all-good” (Cole, 2008). With this in mind, J. L Mackie argues that more traditional arguments for the existence of God are evident in the world and therefore they justify that
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In order for the soul-making process to occur, Irenaeus believed that evil assists in human growth and development. While God aimed to create a world with perfect beings, humans are still in the process of creation and therefore haven’t developed into God’s likeness (Larrimore, 2001) (See Appendix 3). This phase is further developed by Hick (See appendix 5). Irenaeus also believed that if humans were created in the presence of God, then no freedom would exist and hence, the epistemic distance (See appendix 6). Irenaeus’ theodicy has many strengths and some weaknesses. Firstly, Irenaeus provides a recognisable and achievable goal for humanity that idolises relevance and value of life on earth. Irenaeus explained why God did not simply create humans perfectly to begin with and that is because attaining the likeness of God requires the willing cooperation of human individuals (Jordan, 1999). Additionally, John Hick supported Irenaeus’ theodicy by giving evil a purpose (See appendix 7). With this in mind. Irenaeus’ theodicy can be further regarded as a way of explaining why some natural evil is essential. Apart from the strengths, the theodicy has some weaknesses. The theodicy makes good behaviour pointless due to the fact that there is no motivation for human development which is the focal point of the theodicy. Additionally, …show more content…
One question really posed to this soul-making theodicy is if the end can actually justify the means (Thesis Eleven, 2016). It isn’t satisfactory to say that all the suffering in the world is actually justifiable because that means that it will lead to knowledge of a perfect God and the notion of moral perfection. One of the main examples which supports this statement is the suffering that occurred at the time of the Holocaust. Such suffering that occurred hear cannot not justify any joy that occurs at the end of someone’s life. The Irenaean theodicy states that suffering is needed for moral development and includes happiness at the end, however, when put into a contemporary example such as the holocaust, this statement seems no longer logical. The holocaust was a time when people were absolutely destroyed and ruined rather than perfected. This is difficult to justify with an all-loving God and how such trauma faced within this time was a part of God’s plan (2). It is within these times that shows how physical and psychological suffering can purely ruin the lives of those involved (10). Hick explains that suffering plays a positive role in an environment that idolises soul-making, however, he admits the horror that can be brought about by such dystleleogical evil (). The holocaust is considered as a pivotal example of such suffering and evil
In order for the soul-making process to occur, Irenaeus believed that evil assists in human growth and development. While God aimed to create a world with perfect beings, humans are still in the process of creation and therefore haven’t developed into God’s likeness (Larrimore, 2001) (See Appendix 3). This phase is further developed by Hick (See appendix 5). Irenaeus also believed that if humans were created in the presence of God, then no freedom would exist and hence, the epistemic distance (See appendix 6). Irenaeus’ theodicy has many strengths and some weaknesses. Firstly, Irenaeus provides a recognisable and achievable goal for humanity that idolises relevance and value of life on earth. Irenaeus explained why God did not simply create humans perfectly to begin with and that is because attaining the likeness of God requires the willing cooperation of human individuals (Jordan, 1999). Additionally, John Hick supported Irenaeus’ theodicy by giving evil a purpose (See appendix 7). With this in mind. Irenaeus’ theodicy can be further regarded as a way of explaining why some natural evil is essential. Apart from the strengths, the theodicy has some weaknesses. The theodicy makes good behaviour pointless due to the fact that there is no motivation for human development which is the focal point of the theodicy. Additionally, …show more content…
One question really posed to this soul-making theodicy is if the end can actually justify the means (Thesis Eleven, 2016). It isn’t satisfactory to say that all the suffering in the world is actually justifiable because that means that it will lead to knowledge of a perfect God and the notion of moral perfection. One of the main examples which supports this statement is the suffering that occurred at the time of the Holocaust. Such suffering that occurred hear cannot not justify any joy that occurs at the end of someone’s life. The Irenaean theodicy states that suffering is needed for moral development and includes happiness at the end, however, when put into a contemporary example such as the holocaust, this statement seems no longer logical. The holocaust was a time when people were absolutely destroyed and ruined rather than perfected. This is difficult to justify with an all-loving God and how such trauma faced within this time was a part of God’s plan (2). It is within these times that shows how physical and psychological suffering can purely ruin the lives of those involved (10). Hick explains that suffering plays a positive role in an environment that idolises soul-making, however, he admits the horror that can be brought about by such dystleleogical evil (). The holocaust is considered as a pivotal example of such suffering and evil