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A Level Problem of Evil Essay Philosophy of Religion £7.16
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A Level Problem of Evil Essay Philosophy of Religion

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An A* philosophy of religion essay titled 'it is impossible to defend God in the face of evil'. It covers Augustine and Irenaeus' theodicies, as well as Hick's counterfactual thesis and both the logical and evidential problems.

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  • January 8, 2025
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  • 2024/2025
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Religious Studies Essay - Philosophy of Religion: It is impossible to defend God in the face of

evil.



The problem of evil is a philosophical dilemma concerning the existence of a

benevolent God in a world full of evil and suffering. Initially illustrated by Epicurus, and

later developed by Hume, the inconsistent triad can be used as a means of visualising the

notion that an omnipotent, benevolent God cannot possibly co-exist with evil. However, it is

important to highlight the fact that there are two types of evil, and distinguish the differences

between the two. Natural evil, as the name suggests, is evil which occurs within the natural

world, not at the hands of man. Such as tsunamis, earthquakes, or avalanches. Moral evil, on

the other hand, is evil which is a result of human intervention, such as murder, rape, or incest.

To accept that it is impossible to defend God in the face of evil would be to accept the

inconsistent triad as being accurate. Turning to the works of Saint Augustine, Saint Irenaeus,

and John Hick, it quickly becomes evident that this is the case. It is impossible to defend God

in the face of evil.

Epicurus’ inconsistent triad has been responsible for the creation of two philosophical

problems: the logical problem and evidential problem. The logical, a priori, problem reasons

that it does not make logical sense for a benevolent and omnipotent God to exist in a world

full of evil and suffering. Building on this, the a posteriori, evidential problem observes

tangible evidence of evil within our realm of existence, and deduces that it is this evil which

acts as proof that such a God cannot exist. Many would support this theory on the basis that

God is seen to be a teacher of truth, not one of love justice specifically. Therefore the

existence of a just God may be possible alongside evil, just not one which is all loving or all

powerful. However, over the past 800 years, theologians have developed their own

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