Analysis of why God allows evil
Why does God Allow Evil?
This is one of the most complicated questions that probably all of us ask sometimes. In this brief mini-lesson, we don't pretend to give a full or final answer, but only mention some of the answers given by a few key thinkers.
1. Augustine (354-430)
Augustine debated with the dualistic philosophy of Manichaeism, the idea that good and evil have existed from all eternity. He taught that evil is not a created substance but a “defect” of good, a “privation of good.” For example, sickness is a privation of health.
Nothing evil exists in itself, but only as an evil aspect of some actualentity. [1]
He also argued that God did not allow evil except for a good purpose.
For the Omnipotent God... would not allow any evil in his works, unless in his omnipotence and goodness, as the Supreme Good, he is able to bring forth good out of evil. [2]
***********************[1] Augustine, Enchiridion, chapter 4, Confessions and Enchridion (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1955), 344.[2] Enchiridion, p. 342
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QUESTION: What was Augustine's view of evil?
Evil is not a created thing, but a privation of good. God only allows evil for a good purpose.
Good and evil have always existed eternally.
God does not control evil. It is man's free choice that causes evil.
