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Judaism and the Problem of Evil, 2005.
This paper discusses that, despite being the victim of much evil through-out history, Judaism has maintained a basically hopeful attitude towards the problem of suffering and of evil.
1,165 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Judaism addresses the problem of evil without doubting the full existence either of evil or of God and without blaming the problem of evil on supernatural forces such as evil spirits or the divine workings of Karma. The author points out that the Jewish faith suggests that the existence of evil was necessary because it allowed God to create the universe and the concept of free will. The paper relates that, like that of many transcendental Eastern religions, Judaism's relationship to suffering addresses the value and benefit of evil in the world because evil works to clean the soul.
From the Paper
"This idea that humanity's free will forces evil into the world is a common theme in most religions and even among atheists. Many people have an instinct that suggests some outside force works on humans, however, encouraging them to do evil when they would not have a tendency to do it by themselves. For example, in Christian culture the idea of a "devil" who can "make" people do bad things is very common. Christians believe that one of God's angels rebelled and fell from heaven, and now leads an army of demons on earth who wreck havoc on humans, both tempting them to do evil and striking at them with external evil like cancer or natural disasters. Judaism, however, does not believe in anything of the sort, nor do the Hebrew scriptures support this view. On the contrary, according to Jewish understandings, Satan is not a rebel but an obedient angel who is "His Majesty's loyal opposition"."
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"The Problem of Evil", 2007.
An analysis of John Hick's solutions to the problem of evil from a philosophical approach to religion.
754 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses "The Problem of Evil" by John Hick, from the point of view of philosophy of religion. The paper discusses Hick's two main responses to the problem of evil. It then analyzes whether Hick's responses offer solutions to the problem of evil as set forth by J.L. Mackie. The paper concludes that Hick's arguments do not offer solutions to the problem of evil.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Theodicy and Soul-Making
Analysis and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Hick's approach in solving the problem of evil doesn't seem to negate any of the three premises. His concept of theodicy affirms God's divine attributes such as goodness and omnipotence. Evil however, is a real attribute that is in direct opposition with Good. Hick suggested that evil is something necessary that would serve a purpose in the divine plan. He doesn't assume that man had been created perfectly, and that evil only existed after the Fall. For him, man has undergone an evolutionary process since creation that is destined to make him a "child of God". However, the process of achieving this goal requires trials and suffering in the world. According to him, goodness and perfection that has been achieved through a long and painful moral process is more valuable than if God has created man already good and perfect. God himself doesn't need man's suffering in order to create souls, since he is omnipotent. However, the "process" of creating souls requires the involvement of evil. According to Hick's philosophy, evil is a means to achieve eternal good and happiness."
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Problem of Evil, 2005.
A theological discussion about the problem of evil.
1,655 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the problem of evil comes from the belief that a perfectly good God would not let evil exist in the world and that an omniscient and omnipotent God should be able to arrange the world according to his intentions. It argues that since evil clearly exists, it would seem that an imaginary God intends it to exist - such a God is not perfectly good; is not omniscient enough to predict all evil and suffering, or is not omnipotent enough to arrange the world entirely as he intends so as to avoid evil and suffering.
From the Paper
"The argument basically says; if God exist, and is all powerful, all good, and all knowing, then there cant be evil, but there is evil, therefore an all powerful, all good, and all knowing God doesn't exist. But it is logically impossible to believe that both evil, and an all good and all powerful God exist in the same reality, because such a God without doubt could and would destroy evil."
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The Problem with Evil, 2001.
Addresses the question of what is the problem with evil and how might it be solved?
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 1 source, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper is an intriguing philosophical approach at solving the problem with evil. It discusses the conversations and writings of Philosopher Swinburne and the antitheodicist. Arguments are presented between Swinburne and the antitheodicist and an attempt is made to answer the question; does Swinburne succeed in solving the problem?
From the Paper
"There shouldn?t be any evils that are not caused by men, such as plagues, earthquakes, natural disasters, AIDS, cancer, and disease to name some of them. Swinburne explains that these tragedies and misfortunes allow men to do noble acts. The September 11th tragedy is a classic example. The entire city of New York came together and sacrificed lives, money, time, and effort to help others. Their crime rates dropped to the lowest ever of that city."
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The Problem of Evil in Human Society, 2002.
This paper looks at the problem of evil and how to control and understand it. The writer sees this as a universal theme in human society.
1,736 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper states that the struggle is inevitable because the existence of evil poses problems that threaten to destroy a culture unless they are somehow kept in check. In order to control evil behavior it is necessary for the society to have some understanding about where evil comes from, what causes it, and what are effective techniques to use against it.
From the Paper
"Evil is defined primarily as existing within a religious context; that is, as contrasted with the existence of Good in some way. If Good is defined as being related to God, or as a description of God?s nature, then Evil is seen as the opposite. It seems logical that the more powerful evil becomes, the weaker Good becomes. This is another reason that all cultures grapple with the problem of evil: because all cultures have some form of God as a part of their belief system, and the existence of evil can be seen as a repudiation of God?s being both all-powerful and all-good."
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St. Augustine's Problem of Evil, 2002.
A discussion of St. Augustine's theory of evil and why evil exists if God does.
1,848 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper examines St. Augustine's doctrine on evil. St. Augustine believed that God made a perfect world, but that God?s creatures turned away from God of their own free will, through different types of falls, and that is how evil originated in the world. It shows how Augustine?s approach to a solution to the problem of evil has three main parts: The author explains how Augustine assumes that evil is a privation and cannot be properly said to exist at all, he argues that the apparent imperfection of any part of creation disappears in light of the perfection of the whole and he argues that moral evil, together with that suffering which is created as punishment for sin, originates in the free nature of the will of all creatures. According to Augustine, God has allowed evil to exist in the world because it does not conflict with His goodness. He did not create evil but is also not a victim of it. He simply allows it to exist.
From the Paper
"In Augustine?s study of the problem of evil, he argues that there are a variety of things that are good. Without this variety, he says, there can be a greater good ness of things as a whole than there would be if this variety did not exist. Augustine also argues that evil is not completely real in itself. Instead, it is dependent on something more real, like disease, which is a form of evil. He points out that disease can only exist in a body, which is a form of good. Therefore, Augustine says, God, who is the source of everything that exists, is not in contest with a positive being or a counterpart that is evil."
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The Problem of Evil, 2008.
A look at the modern day challenges to theism, theodicies and the free will defense.
2,087 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 20 sources, APA, AU$ 94.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the problem of evil has evolved into one of the most argued, and hence comprehensive, topics in the debate about God's existence. While nontheists claim that the existence of evil provides strong arguments against theism, theists hold that these arguments are merely speculative and lack logical strength. This paper examines the logical problem of evil, discusses some representative defences and theodicies (namely, the free will defense, the Irenaean theodicy, and the 'best of all possible worlds' solution), and critically evaluates these approaches.
From the Paper
"Nontheists may utilize the problem of evil to identify the logical incongruity of the presence of an all-powerful, omniscient and omnibenevolent God alongside morally unwarrantable evil. This line of reasoning states that since God is omniscient, He knows that evil exists, and being omnibenevolent, He must be motivated to prevent evil, and finally, since He's also all-powerful, He has the ability to deter or eliminate evil. However, morally unjustifiable evil exists; therefore God is not all-powerful, omniscient, and/or omnibenevolent (Wachterhauser, 1985). Since theists claim that God necessarily possesses all of these three powerful characteristics, non-theists attempt to disprove a monotheistic God's existence using the above formulation. Importantly, the basis for the logical problem of evil is founded on the belief that all evil is logically unnecessary and should therefore not exist at all (Peterson et al., 2003; Zagzebski, 1996). "
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The Problem of Evil and Judeo-Christian Thought, 2006.
An examination of why God, who is supposed to be omnipotent, would allow for the existence of evil.
1,601 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the problem of evil and how it appears hypocritical with respect to traditional Judeo-Christian thought. The paper concludes with the author's own opinion on the subject by suggesting that although it may appear that God allows evil to thrive on earth, we only see a small part of the grand scheme.
From the Paper
"The problem of evil in Judaism and Christianity is quite difficult to fathom, not least of all for Jews and Christians themselves. The first dilemma comes with the differentiation between the God of the Old and the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament is said to have created all beings and entities in the universe; "in the beginning God created heaven and earth" (Gen. 1:1). This verse implies that God is responsible for everything in the universe, that we are in essence His puppets. However, evil is introduced in Genesis 3, where the serpent implores Eve to eat from the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve eats from the fruit and thus brings damnation upon herself and Adam. First, one wonders why God would have created this tree, of which the fruit is forbidden, and placed it so close to Adam and Eve. This questionable act reminds one of a parent who would place a loaded gun in the nursery next to a playing baby. If God had not wished Adam and Eve to eat of this Tree, He could have easily hidden it or simply not created it."
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The Problem of Evil, 2004.
This paper discusses that evil is everywhere, and that, while good is also in abundant supply, evil will never totally be removed from society.
1,990 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that good and evil create a yin and yang sort of effect that many believe is necessary to understand life and its balance. The author points out that it is difficult to prove what is evil and what is good; there are many different opinions, depending on the circumstances. The paper reflects that, to remove totally the problem of evil, everyone on earth would have to be destroyed, which would be pointless.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Argument for Evil Remaining in the World
The Argument against Evil Remaining in the World
Is There a Solution to Evil?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The opposing opinion, of course, is that evil need not remain with humanity. The arguments here will respond to those listed above. As to the first argument, many believe that evil and good are not actually opposing forces. They are not forces at all. Instead, they are simply words that are put on actions and ideas, depending on what the majority of that society agrees upon. There are many places that do not have the same rules and regulations as other areas, but that does not make one of these places evil and the other place good. It only makes these places different from one another. It is the same with good and evil. They are side by side, not opposed to one another, and the only difference between the two is based in the perceptions and opinions of those around them."
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The Problem of Evil: Karma, Conflict or Justice?, 2005.
An analysis of the concept of evil as described in Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the problem of evil as described in three religions: Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism. It introduces the concept of Karma and discusses evil as an essential component of the human condition, a part in the universal conflict between good and evil and the result or punishment of justice. The paper concludes that a Judeo-Christian description of evil is the most preferable.
From the Paper
"Centuries before the establishment of modern religion, the problem of evil already plagued humanity. Early philosophers discussed its defining characteristics at length. Socrates, who roamed the Greek city-state of Athens nearly 400 years before Christ's birth, claimed that good and evil could only be distinguished through self-knowledge (Davis, 2000, sec. The Good). However, it seems that this discovery was no easy task; over 2000 years later, theologians continue to debate the problem of evil. At the core of this debate is a struggle to discover the essence of evil and to describe this essence in a way that will force humanity to confront and to judge its own actions. For Socrates, this confrontation took the form of knowledge. The world's theologians, however, sought to define the problem in more concrete ways. "
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The Problem of Evil, 2005.
This paper explores how there can be evil when an all-good and all-powerful God exists.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the core of many religions, including Christianity, is the belief in the existence of an all-good and all-powerful God; however, evil still exists in this world. The author points out that this duality poses a serious problem for many theologians and philosophers. The paper relates that philosophers and theologians of the stature of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, David Hume, John Stuart Mill and Bertrand Russell have grappled with this problem.
From the Paper
"Many theists believe in the existence of an all-good and all-powerful God. Indeed, such a belief is at the very core of many religions, including Christianity. However, we also live in a world where evil exists. How can there be evil, when an all-good and all-powerful God exists? This has posed a serious problem for many theologians and philosophers. Philosophers and theologians of the stature of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, David Hume, John Stuart Mill, and Bertrand Russell have grappled with this problem (Harris, 1977). "
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God and Evil, 2004.
Looks at the writings on religion, the existence of God, faith, and reason by Aquinas, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard
1,394 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates how Aquinas tried to prove the existence of God and how the problem of evil poses problems for this attempt. Furthermore, it describes the views of Friedrich Nietzsche and Soren Kierkegaard with respect to the importance of religion, religious life, God, faith, and reason.
From the Paper
"In Aquinas mind, the question of proving the existence of God began with the question of how, and to what extent, humans can understand God at all. Before he undertook to prove the existence of God by reason, he found it crucial to demonstrate that God?s existence can be known without reliance on faith and scripture, but also that God?s existence is not self-evident but needs argumentation."
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God And The Problem Of Evil, 2004.
Argues that J.L. Mackie's proposition concerning the existence of an all-powerful, benevolent God and the existence of evil is in error.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the proposition set up by J.L. Mackie whereby he claims to prove that an all-mighty, all-good God and the existence of evil are logically contradictory is itself in error. The paper uses the concept of a "process-relational" God, first proposed by Alfred North Whitehead, to disprove Mackie's argument. The paper also shows that this does not damage God's omnipotence any more than neo-Thomist arguments do.
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God and Evil, 2005.
Discusses why God allow suffering, injustice, and evil in the world.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses theodicy: Why does God allow evil. This question has been asked by many philosopher. A theodicy explains why God allows evil in the world. The paper focuses on three different theodicies. This paper argues that the Free Will Theodicy answers the question of why God allows evil. This paper addresses how God allows people to make choices and often these choices affect others.
From the Paper
"If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, & benevolent, why is there evil in the world" ("Theology & Western Religion," 2005)? The theodicy of why God allows evil is a question that many people have addressed in the past and continue to address today. It is a defense of why God, who has omnipotence, could allow people to suffer and how God can allow evil to exist without Him stopping the evil. This paper will argue that the free will theodicy answers the question of why God allows evil. A Succinct Description of the Problem of Evil in the World David Lang tells a story how his grandfather died to save the live of his child. He asks why God allowed others to suffer and die by the hands of Hitler in World War II."
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Questions of God and Evil, 2005.
This paper argues against the existence of a traditional God due to the presence of evil in the world.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper supports Mackie's position that the traditional Judeo/Christian/Muslim God cannot possibly exist given the evidence of the existence of evil, since God is omnipotent, omniscient and most importantly, Good. The writer maintains that if God did exist and was as described, then evil could not possibly exist because God would do everything - could, in fact - to prevent it, yet evil abounds.
From the Paper
"The question of whether or not God, in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradition, exists is as old as the religions themselves, and has been answered many times in many different ways. God is said to be omniscient and omnipotent, yet Evil still exists in the world. According to J.L. Mackie and other philosophers, this trilemma is irreconcilable, and therefore God must not exist. It is the writer's argument that Evil does exist, therefore God cannot exist if the statements regarding the power and knowledge of God are true. It is important to establish meanings of the words God and Evil for the purposes of this discussion. The definition of God given by the American Heritage Dictionary will suffice: "a. A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions"."
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War in Heaven God, Evil and Spiritual Warfare, 2005.
This paper discusses Revelation and examines the war in heaven and its connection to modern day believers.
2,600 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 113.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that Revelation is primarily a portrayal of the war encompassing all humanity. The writer notes that inside the book is an especially poignant passage about the Great War between the kingdom of God and those held in opposition. The writer maintains that embraced by the poetic language of Revelation 12: 7-12 is hope for the Christian that victory has been secured. Although the devil may war and battle his end is near, and the accuser can no longer challenge those protected by the blood of the lamb. The writer discusses that Revelation 12:7-12 is both an encouragement and an exhortation for followers to stay on task despite persecution for the victory is won by Christ.
From the Paper
"Scholars of Revelation have used three basic principles in order to discover meaning from Revelation. A common approach in the church since the Middle Ages has been to see Revelation as a predictor of different ages in church development. Using the seven churches in chapters 2-3 as a template they perceive the visions to be meant for specific great ages of the world. Unfortunately whether the interpreter is in the Middle Ages or in the 21st Century the assumption has always been that they have been in the last age. This method suffers from being irrelevant to the original readers and focusing too highly on church development in the Western world.
"Another method of interpretation of the apocalyptic events has been to use Revelation in order to predict what will take place before the end of the world. Once again this view loses credibility by not being relevant to the original audience."
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