But what if evil is not a “thing” in that sense? Then evil did not need creating. God would not be good if He knowingly created evil.Īugustine realized that the solution was tied to the question: What is evil? The argument above depends on the idea that evil is a thing (note the second premise). This formulation, if sustained, is devastating for Christianity.
If the first two premises are true, the conclusion is inescapable.
#Dialogue on good evil and the existence of god cohen series
One approach addresses the origin of evil, prompting the syllogism (a series of statements that form a reasoned argument): 1) God created all things 2) evil is a thing 3) therefore, God created evil. The problem of evil can be phrased in several ways. His insight is intellectually credible and emotionally satisfying in that it gives hope and offers meaning to the Christian trying to make sense out of life in a fallen world. For much of his life he worked hard at a solution.Īugustine’s approach was not just brilliant it was practical. It’s occupied the minds of great Christian thinkers since the beginning, including St.
The existence of evil is one of the most vexing challenges a Christian-or any person, for that matter-must grapple with. in theology to look around the world and realize something is desperately wrong.
Augustine’s answer has been the most intellectually credible and emotionally satisfying solution to this vexing problem. Is God the author of evil or its helpless victim? St.
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