The Problem Of Evil - “It seems unbelievable, if an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God exists, that he would permit so much pain and suffering in the world.” W. Russell Crawford, M.A. Corresponding notes, few exceptions, by Dr. Evan Posey.

The Problem Of Evil - Distinguish Types of ‘evils’ moral evil natural evil

The Problem Of Evil - intellectual (logical) poe - Emotional (pastoral) poe

- Focus on the ‘Logical’ poe The Problem Of Evil - Focus on the ‘Logical’ poe “Epicurus” and “Hume” pictures are taken from Richard G. Howe website..

- 1. Is God willing but not able, then he is impotent. The Problem Of Evil - 1. Is God willing but not able, then he is impotent. 2. Is God able but not willing, then he is malevolent. 3. Is God both willing and able, whence then is evil …?

- Alvin Plantinga’s ‘FWD’ Theodicy: Why allow The Problem Of Evil - Alvin Plantinga’s ‘FWD’ Theodicy: Why allow Defense: no inconsistency “Plantinga” picture taken from Richard G. Howe website..

The Problem Of Evil Free Will Defense When there is thought to be a contradiction between (P) and (Q), one need only present a third premise (R) such that when combined with (P) entails (Q). 2. (P) God is omnipotent, and omnibenevolent b. (Q) Evil Exists c. (R) God created a world with significantly free creatures (“Transworld Depravity” is logically possible given “significantly free” creatures)

The Problem Of Evil - omnipotence does not entail the logically impossible: discuss (hb. 6:13-16). - Because it is nonsense i.e. meaningless concept

The Problem Of Evil “His Omnipotence means power to do all that is intrinsically possible, not to do the intrinsically impossible. You may attribute miracles to Him, but not nonsense. There is no limit to His power.   If you choose to say, 'God can give a creature free will and at the same time withhold free will from it,' you have not succeeded in saying anything about God: meaningless combinations of words do not suddenly acquire meaning simply because we prefix to them the two other words, 'God can.' It remains true that all things are possible with God: the intrinsic impossibilities are not things but nonentities. It is no more possible for God than for the weakest of His creatures to carry out both of two mutually exclusive alternatives; not because His power meets an obstacle, but because nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it about God.”

The Problem Of Evil - Good news: conceded. “Mackie” picture and slide are taken from Richard G. Howe website..

The Problem Of Evil Alternative solutions: Geisler’s – “Not yet” substitution and reformulation Zacharias’ – “If god can do all…” paradox

The Problem Of Evil - Probabilistic version - Briefly mention Cumulative evidence No m.s.r.? Christian theism seems to entail it… how?

The Problem Of Evil 1. The chief purpose of life is not happiness, but the knowledge of God (Holiness – Not Happiness). 2. Mankind is in a state of rebellion against God and his purpose. 3. God’s purpose is not restricted to this life but spills over beyond the grave into eternal life. 4. The knowledge of God is an incommensurable good.

- the ‘evidential’ version The Problem Of Evil - the ‘evidential’ version If God exists, gratuitous evil does not exist. b. Gratuitous evil exists. c. Therefore, God does not exist.

The Problem Of Evil - a fundamental problem Atheism cannot legitimatize the argument It cannot “ground” the objection

the axiological (moral) argument. The Problem Of Evil the axiological (moral) argument. “The Non-Christian cannot even use words like good and evil in an objective sense unless God exists. The Non-Christian “highjacks” features from a Christian worldview to support their own atheistic worldview.” Look at C.S. Lewis insight from his own journey:

The Problem Of Evil C.S. Lewis: “My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?”

The Problem Of Evil - the ‘emotional’ poe - Logical is resolved - Emotional problem remains - theodicy. Not defense.

The Problem Of Evil - god can, and does, use evil for good (joseph, the cross). - Have we seriously considered how we have used our own freedom to contribute to the p.o.e.?

The Problem Of Evil - important to recall: All worldviews must face the problem of evil How does each answer? Is it sufficient?

The Problem Of Evil - is it livable?

The Problem Of Evil - did god “create” evil? (privation) - Question and answer

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