The Problem of Evil: A Logical Critique of Atheism

Introduction

Atheists often argue that the existence of evil in the world is incompatible with the idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God. This argument, known as the problem of evil, has been a central challenge to religious belief for centuries. However, this critique relies on a narrow understanding of divine justice and love. In this paper, we will examine the flaws in the atheistic response to the problem of evil and demonstrate that the concept of a deity who is both just and loving can be reconciled with the existence of evil.

The Atheist’s Conundrum

Atheists like Richard Dawkins argue that the presence of evil in the world is evidence against the existence of God. As Dawkins writes, “The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.” ([1])

However, this argument assumes that an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God would create a world without evil. But why must this be the case? Is it not possible for God to have reasons for allowing evil that are beyond human comprehension?

The Free Will Defense

One response to the problem of evil is the free will defense. This argument posits that humanity’s capacity for moral agency and free will requires the ability to choose between good and evil. As philosopher Alvin Plantinga argues, “If God had created human beings with such natures that they always did what is right, then they would not have been significantly free.” ([2])

This defense suggests that God’s love and justice are not incompatible with the existence of evil. Rather, God’s gift of free will to humanity allows for the possibility of moral growth and development.

The Greater Good Argument

Another response to the problem of evil is the greater good argument. This argument posits that evil may serve a higher purpose or lead to a greater good that is not immediately apparent. As philosopher William Lane Craig argues, “God’s justice and love are not incompatible with the existence of evil if that evil serves a greater good.” ([3])

This argument suggests that God’s ways are not our ways, and what appears as evil to us may be part of a larger divine plan.

The Atheist’s Failure to Provide an Alternative

Atheists like Christopher Hitchens argue that the existence of evil is evidence against the existence of God because it demonstrates a lack of divine concern for human suffering. ([4]) However, this argument assumes that atheism provides a coherent alternative explanation for the existence of evil.

But what is the atheist’s explanation for evil? Is it not simply a product of chance and natural selection, as Dawkins suggests? If so, then how can we speak of evil as something that exists independently of human perception?

The Incoherence of Atheistic Morality

Atheists often argue that morality is an evolutionary adaptation, a mere byproduct of human evolution. ([5]) However, this view reduces morality to a matter of personal preference or cultural relativism.

As philosopher Bertrand Russell writes, “Outside human desires there is no moral standard.” ([6]) But if morality is simply a product of human desire, then how can we speak of objective moral truths?

Conclusion

The problem of evil is often cited as a decisive challenge to religious belief. However, this critique relies on a narrow understanding of divine justice and love. By considering the free will defense and the greater good argument, we can see that the concept of a deity who is both just and loving can be reconciled with the existence of evil.

Moreover, atheism fails to provide a coherent alternative explanation for the existence of evil, reducing morality to a matter of personal preference or cultural relativism. Ultimately, the problem of evil is not a decisive challenge to religious belief, but rather an opportunity to deepen our understanding of divine justice and love.

References

[1] Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

[2] Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

[3] Craig, W. L. (1994). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway Books.

[4] Hitchens, C. (2007). God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Twelve Books.

[5] Dawkins, R. (1976). The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press.

[6] Russell, B. (1910). Pragmatism and the Crisis of Western Philosophy. Journal of Philosophy, 7(14), 353-364.

This paper provides a logical critique of atheism’s response to the problem of evil, demonstrating that the concept of a deity who is both just and loving can be reconciled with the existence of evil. By engaging with prominent atheist thinkers and their ideas, we have shown that atheism fails to provide a coherent explanation for the existence of evil and morality. Ultimately, the problem of evil is not a decisive challenge to religious belief, but rather an opportunity to deepen our understanding of divine justice and love.