One of the thorniest issues in the philosophy of religion is the problem of evil. Explaining the problem is simple enough: How can one reconcile the existence of a God who is good and omniscient in light of how much suffering there is in the world? But providing an argument that reconciles this tension in a satisfactory way is far more difficult. For this discuss assignment, imagine you are having a conversation with a friend who does not believe that God exists given the pervasiveness of injustice, suffering, and evil in the world today. Provide the best possible answer in overcoming your friend's concern regarding the problem of evil.
This sounds like a question you have to answer. Do you not understand the question? Are you wanting us to help brainstorm ideas? What are you looking for here?
God does this so when he makes all things right and new he gets the glory, i know that sounds weird but look at the holocaust all those Jews who died most of them went to heaven then he set them free, then he gave them isreal back. i was in a car accident i broke my collar bone in two pieces i lost my car and i turned in my license so my dads insurance wouldn't go through the roof but i still got a $169 fine, but God took care of that i went to court and my case got dismissed now i'm still in school not dead for speeding because i do about 10-15 over the limit ; i know i'm dumb; but god saved my life from the worst i hit a foot thick pole 55 miles per hour my car spun 360 degrees i should have died but God said i had a purpose so he let me live. i got a hare cut and i saw a guy in a cast and i asked what happened he told me that he fell 30 ft that's borderline suicide height now tell me God doesn't have a purpose for that mans life. i hoped this helped i will pray that this person has a softened heart the next time you talk to them.
When addressing the problem of evil and trying to help your friend overcome their concerns regarding the existence of God, it's important to approach the discussion with empathy, respect, and an understanding of their perspective. Here's a possible way to respond to your friend's concern:
Friend: I don't believe in God because of all the suffering and evil in the world. How can a good and omniscient God allow so much injustice and pain?
You: I understand your concern, and it's a complex issue that philosophers and theologians have grappled with for centuries. The problem of evil is indeed one of the most challenging questions in the philosophy of religion. While it may be difficult to provide a perfectly satisfactory answer, I can offer some explanations that attempt to reconcile the existence of a good and omniscient God in the face of suffering and evil.
Firstly, it's important to distinguish between moral evil (caused by human actions) and natural evil (resulting from natural disasters, diseases, etc.). Many philosophical arguments focus on moral evil, as human free will plays a significant role. God gave humans the freedom to make choices, and unfortunately, some people choose to inflict suffering on others. Limiting this freedom would interfere with human autonomy and the possibility of genuine moral goodness.
Regarding natural evil, the explanation is more complex. Some argue that it's a necessary consequence of natural laws and a physical world governed by cause and effect. Without natural laws, there would be chaos and unpredictability, making life impossible. In this view, suffering and evil are side effects of a coherent and ordered universe.
Additionally, the existence of suffering can lead to personal growth, compassion, and the development of virtues. When faced with adversity, individuals often demonstrate resilience, empathy, and kindness. These qualities can be seen as valuable aspects of our human experience.
Furthermore, it's important to consider that our moral judgment on what constitutes evil may not be comprehensive or fully aligned with the perspective of an omniscient God. Our limited understanding may prevent us from comprehending the greater purpose or plan behind suffering and evil. As finite beings, we are restricted in our ability to grasp the infinite wisdom of a divine being.
It's worth noting that many religious traditions offer various theodicies (attempts to explain why God permits evil) to grapple with this issue. Some propose that suffering is a necessary part of the soul's development, while others suggest it is a test of faith or a means for divine justice.
In conclusion, while the problem of evil remains a challenging philosophical issue, these explanations attempt to reconcile the existence of a benevolent and all-knowing God with the existence of suffering and evil in the world. Remember, belief in God is a personal journey, and it involves grappling with profound questions like this. I encourage you to explore different perspectives, engage in honest dialogue, and seek answers that resonate with you.