Theodicies and Evil

The problem of evil has long served as the primary complication to the project of theodicy, which aims to defend the existence of an omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent god. Detractors are quick to point out that the clearly observable presence of evil in the world, evidenced by such tragedies as famine and war, provides sufficient reason to deny the supposedly loving god of the Abrahamic tradition. Read on to learn more about how the notion of "evil" has shaped the perspectives of religious thinkers for centuries.

Omnibenevolence and its relationship to evil

Theodicians argue for the existence of an omnibenevolent god, one who has both the capacity to produce unlimited goodness in the world and the desire to eliminate all things that defy or hinder goodness. Thus, the fact that opposing thinkers can provide examples of badness, both in human history and in modern times, seems to invalidate this assertion. If the considered deity does have the power to eliminate evil but does not do so, the criterion of benevolence is unmet; if this god wishes to right the wrongs of the world but cannot, he does not fulfill the theodical standard of omnipotence.

Theodicians' responses to the problem of evil

Several counterarguments are offered by theodicians to accommodate the above concerns. First and most commonly suggested is the "greater plan" analysis of evil, which supposes that the machinations of a perfect god are incomprehensible to the limited human mind. What is recognized in man's experience as "evil" is possibly, in a grander scheme, a necessary component of the process of creating universal goodness. Another response offered by theodicians is to praise the existence of free will in rational beings, which is considered a gift great enough to justify any misapplications of this ability, including conscious acts of evil.

While the problem of evil is likely to remain a troubling question for students of spirituality, conscientious contemplation and discussion of such issues help foster goodwill among believers and non-believers alike.