Solution to Mackie's Problem of Evil

Essay by stujayUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, April 2004

download word file, 5 pages 4.7

Downloaded 107 times

The Problem of Evil

If you had only one wish to be granted, it would seem non-evil and purely good to wish for the ever-popular peace on earth. And if given the power to accomplish this, we should, right? That would be the good thing to do, right? The problem of evil is presented through these readings and contradicted as a means to contradict the belief many of us hold in an all-powerful and all knowing god. J. L. Mackie does conclude his rather extensive proclamation to the necessity to amend at least one of the three beliefs: God is omnipotent, God is wholly good, and evil exists: by adding that there may be other solutions to examine.

My belief follows more along the lines of the theodicy defense put forth by John Hick in "Philosophy: The Pursuit of Wisdom" by Pojman. Hick suggests that there is no need to contradict the meaning of omnipotent when referring to God's choice to allow evil.

Evil's existence is not so disputed as God's is so I will not explain my belief that evil exists along with pain and suffering. My justification for this allowance by God is not as easy to explain. I believe that this evil is necessary to learn and to develop into goodness. Pojman suggests this is a limit to God's power. He suggests that without limits there would be a better method of teaching. A way for God to instruct us as well as let us learn from mistakes with less evil and suffering. But yet it is implied that some evil or mistakes are required, but not to the extent they exist. I believe this is bold to imply. Without that power and reality at your fingertips, how can you determine the extent of suffering and pain...