The Problem of Evil

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The Problem of Evil

Responses applied in respect to the problem of evil generally attempt to argue against the relationship between God’s existence and the subsistence of evil. Apart from this, they also try to justify reasons for the presence of evil hence disinclining from the arguments based on evidence. One particular response to the problem of evil asserts that the notion of free will creates an environment that allows for the existence of evil in opposition to the existence of good. Apparently, God allows the occurrence of evil and tribulation due to the nature of human beings, especially in respect to the possession of free will. The creation of people with considerable free will by God is an aspect that possesses significant value in understanding the existence of evil. In terms of this response, the will to engage in acts of good and evil ironically provide a balance that would not be achieved if one of the facets under contention were eliminated. Simply, God cannot eradicate evil in the human world without expunging the aspect of free will, which is a greater good. Additionally, this utilitarianist view to the problem of evil alleges that God cannot eliminate evil since He may be capable of establishing relationships with persons that utilize their free will for the implementation of good actions and deeds. The view of free will clearly relies on the notion of moral significance. Accordingly, a person possesses morally considerable free will if he or she is capable of implementing actions that constitute moral significance. Hence, in a world whereby evil does not exist, a person may be incapable of engaging in free will especially when faced with morally incompatible courses of action.