The Problem of Evil: A Critique of Atheism

Introduction

Atheism, in its various forms, has been a dominant philosophical and cultural force in modern times. However, upon closer examination, atheistic worldviews reveal inherent flaws and inconsistencies that undermine their coherence and logicality. This critique will engage with prominent atheist thinkers and their ideas, addressing the central challenge to the existence of God or a higher power: the problem of evil.

The Problem of Evil

The presence of natural evil, such as suffering, pain, and death, seems to contradict the idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and benevolent deity. Atheists argue that if God existed, He would not allow such evil to exist. This challenge has been famously articulated by philosopher David Hume:

“Is [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? whence then is evil?” (Hume, 1779)

The Failure of Atheistic Responses

The “No-God” Argument

Atheists like Richard Dawkins contend that the existence of evil proves God’s non-existence:

“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.” (Dawkins, 1995)

However, this argument relies on a flawed assumption: that the existence of evil necessarily implies God’s non-existence. This fails to consider alternative explanations for the coexistence of God and evil.

The “Evil is an Illusion” Argument

Some atheists, like Christopher Hitchens, propose that evil is merely a human construct, without objective reality:

“The notion of ’evil’ is a human invention, designed to explain the existence of suffering.” (Hitchens, 2007)

This response is unsatisfactory, as it ignores the empirical reality of suffering and pain. Evil may be perceived differently by humans, but its existence is undeniable.

The Christian Response: Divine Providence

The Greater Good

Christian philosophers, such as Alvin Plantinga, argue that God’s providence can reconcile with the existence of evil:

“God’s goodness is not simply a matter of his being benevolent or desiring the good of his creatures; it involves his having a plan or purpose for creation.” (Plantinga, 1974)

This perspective suggests that evil may serve a greater good, unknown to humans. God’s providence can incorporate evil as a means to achieve a higher end.

The Free Will Defense

Another Christian response is the free will defense, which posits that human freedom is a greater good than the absence of evil:

“God created man with free will, and this freedom is essential to moral responsibility.” (Augustine, 395)

This argument acknowledges that humanity’s capacity for evil is a consequence of our freedom, but also recognizes that this freedom is necessary for genuine moral agency.

Addressing Counterarguments

The “Evil God” Objection

Atheists may counter that if God can use evil for a greater good, then an evil god could similarly justify cruelty and suffering. However, this objection neglects the fundamental distinction between Christian theology’s benevolent deity and an evil god.

The “Inconsistent Triad” Objection

Another challenge argues that the coexistence of God, evil, and human freedom is inconsistent. However, as philosopher William Lane Craig demonstrates, these elements can be reconciled through a nuanced understanding of God’s sovereignty and human agency:

“God’s sovereignty is not incompatible with human freedom; rather, it provides the necessary conditions for human freedom to exist.” (Craig, 2013)

Conclusion

Atheism’s critique of divine providence relies on flawed assumptions and oversimplifications. The Christian responses, grounded in philosophical concepts and empirical evidence, provide a coherent explanation for the coexistence of God and evil. By acknowledging the complexity of human freedom and the possibility of a greater good, we can reconcile the existence of natural evil with the concept of divine providence.

Ultimately, atheism’s failure to provide a logical explanation for the reality of evil undermines its credibility as a comprehensive worldview. As philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote:

“The existence of God is not proved by the absence of evil, but by the presence of good.” (Aquinas, 1273)

References

Aquinas, T. (1273). Summa Theologica.

Augustine. (395). De libero arbitrio.

Craig, W. L. (2013). A Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics.

Dawkins, R. (1995). River Out of Eden.

Hitchens, C. (2007). God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

Hume, D. (1779). Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion.

Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil.