The Problem of Evil: Crash Course Philosophy #13

 The Problem of Evil: Can It Be Reconciled with the Existence of God?

When it comes to discussing the existence of God, one of the most enduring and challenging questions is: Why is there evil in the world? This question has puzzled theologians, philosophers, and everyday believers for centuries. It’s not just about the occasional fluke of physics or a piece of trivia; it’s a deeply unsettling issue that strikes at the heart of our understanding of the divine. In this post, we’ll explore how the problem of evil presents a significant challenge to theistic beliefs and what philosophical responses have been offered to reconcile this issue.

The Logical Problem of Evil

One of the primary challenges to the existence of God is the logical problem of evil. This problem arises from the fact that many theists believe in a God who is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnibenevolent (all-good). Yet, the world is full of evil—from small annoyances like stubbed toes to catastrophic events like genocides and natural disasters. Atheists argue that these beliefs are logically inconsistent. If God knows about all the evil in the world, has the power to stop it, and is good enough to want to stop it, then why does evil continue to exist? The persistence of evil, they argue, suggests that one or more of these divine attributes must be compromised—or that God might not exist at all.

Theodicy and The Free Will Defense

In response to this, some theists have developed what’s known as theodicies—attempts to explain why the existence of evil does not rule out the possibility of God’s existence. One of the most popular theodicies is the Free Will Defense. This argument suggests that God has maximized the goodness in the world by creating free beings. With free will comes the possibility of choosing evil, but this freedom is essential for a good world. According to this view, God does not create evil; instead, evil is a byproduct of human freedom. A world without freedom, the argument goes, would be worse overall, and thus, God allows evil to preserve our free will.

Moral vs. Natural Evil

While the Free Will Defense addresses moral evil—the evil caused by human actions—it struggles to explain natural evil. Natural evil refers to suffering caused by events outside of human control, like earthquakes, hurricanes, or diseases. Humans can’t be blamed for these occurrences, so why would a good God allow them to happen? This distinction complicates the Free Will Defense and leaves some unanswered questions about God’s role in the face of natural disasters and other forms of non-human-caused suffering.

John Hick's Soul-Making Theodicy

Another approach to this problem comes from the 20th-century philosopher John Hick, who offered what is known as the soul-making theodicy. Hick argued that God did not create a perfect world that was later ruined by human sin. Instead, he suggested that God deliberately created humans "unfinished," and our earthly lives are a kind of training ground. The hardships and challenges we face in life serve to build our moral and spiritual character, much like a boot camp toughens up soldiers. According to Hick, we are not God’s pets, meant to live in comfort and safety. Rather, we are beings that God is developing into something greater, and an imperfect world is necessary for that growth.

The Evidential Problem of Evil

Even if we can logically explain why evil exists, a deeper issue remains: the evidential problem of evil. This problem questions not just the existence of evil, but the sheer amount of it. If evil is necessary to understand goodness, why is there so much suffering? Couldn’t we learn the contrast between good and evil through minor inconveniences like paper cuts and head colds? Why must we endure events like genocides and devastating natural disasters? These extreme forms of evil seem to go beyond what is necessary for moral and spiritual growth, challenging the notion that God is both good and just.

The problem of evil is a profound and complex issue that continues to be a central topic in the philosophy of religion. Some find theodicies like the Free Will Defense or John Hick’s soul-making theodicy to be compelling solutions, while others see them as insufficient to fully address the magnitude of suffering in the world. For some, this leads to a rejection of God’s omnipotence, omniscience, or omnibenevolence, while others conclude that such evil is incompatible with the existence of any god worth worshipping. Wherever one lands, grappling with the problem of evil is essential for anyone engaged in theism and religious philosophy.

This discussion is far from over, and as we continue to explore the philosophy of religion, new questions and challenges will undoubtedly arise. Whether you’re a theist, an atheist, or somewhere in between, the problem of evil is a topic that encourages deep reflection and, ultimately, a more nuanced understanding of our beliefs.