The Problem of Evil: A Challenge to Atheism

Atheists often argue that the existence of evil disproves the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God. This argument, known as the problem of evil, is a cornerstone of atheistic critiques of religious belief. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this challenge is not as straightforward as it seems.

The Classic Formulation

The problem of evil is often formulated as follows:

  1. If God exists, He is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and all-good (benevolent).
  2. An all-powerful God could prevent evil from existing.
  3. An all-knowing God would know about the existence of evil.
  4. An all-good God would want to prevent evil from existing.
  5. Evil exists in the world.
  6. Therefore, an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God does not exist.

A Critical Examination

However, this argument relies on several assumptions that are open to challenge.

The Assumption of Omnipotence

Does the existence of evil necessarily imply that God is not omnipotent? Not necessarily. It could be argued that God’s power is not limited by His desire to create a world with free will, where moral choices can be made. As philosopher Alvin Plantinga notes:

“It’s possible that God, even being all-powerful, couldn’t have created a world containing significantly free creatures and no moral evil.” ([1])

In other words, the existence of evil may be a necessary consequence of human freedom, which is essential for moral responsibility and growth.

The Assumption of Benevolence

Does the existence of evil necessarily imply that God is not benevolent? Again, not necessarily. It could be argued that God’s goodness is not equivalent to His desire to eliminate all suffering or evil. As Christian philosopher William Lane Craig argues:

“God’s goodness is not measured by the absence of evil in the world, but by His provision of an ultimately victorious and redemptive plan for humanity.” ([2])

In other words, God’s benevolence may be demonstrated through His ultimate triumph over evil, rather than its eradication.

Implications for Morality

If the problem of evil does not necessarily disprove God’s existence, what does this imply about our understanding of morality? Several points can be made:

Objective Morality

The existence of objective moral values and duties is often seen as a challenge to atheism. If morality is simply a product of human evolution or cultural convention, it becomes difficult to justify universal moral claims. As philosopher William Lane Craig argues:

“If God does not exist, then objective moral values do not exist.” ([3])

However, if we assume that God exists, objective morality can be grounded in His nature and commands.

Moral Suffering

The problem of evil raises questions about the purpose of moral suffering. If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does He allow innocent people to suffer? One possible answer is that moral suffering serves a greater good, such as the development of empathy, compassion, and character. As philosopher John Hick argues:

“Soul-making is a more important goal than happiness or pleasure.” ([4])

In other words, moral suffering may be necessary for human growth and development.

Conclusion

The problem of evil is often seen as a decisive challenge to religious belief. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this argument relies on several assumptions that are open to challenge. The existence of evil does not necessarily disprove God’s power or benevolence. Instead, it may be seen as a necessary consequence of human freedom and moral growth.

Furthermore, the problem of evil has significant implications for our understanding of morality. It raises questions about the nature of objective morality, the purpose of moral suffering, and the role of empathy and compassion in human development.

Ultimately, the critique of atheism presented here challenges readers to reexamine their assumptions about the existence of God or a higher power. By engaging with prominent atheist thinkers and philosophical concepts, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in this debate.

References

[1] Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

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

[3] Craig, W. L. (2008). The Absurdity of Life without God. In R. K. Garcia & N. King (Eds.), Is Goodness Without God Good Enough? (pp. 67-84). Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

[4] Hick, J. (1966). Evil and the God of Love. London: Macmillan.