The Problem of Evil Being good is rarely an issue. Goodness does not create a dilemma as much as evil does. Although in regards to the goodness of God, this is grounds for debate. Is God a wholly benevolent being, who is morally superior exhibiting perfection in every way? Does God indeed exist, and if so, why would God allow moral or natural evil to be present? One question that can be asked is, “What is God really?” How is there to be a solid definition of God listing his attributes if human beings deduce God to being only good and morally perfect? This is part of the problem presented by Peter Van Inwagen in his argument “The problem of evil,” as he calls it a purely intellectual challenge to understand this paradox. In this essay, I will …show more content…
We see natural disasters like hurricanes and tornados sweeping through an area without discrimination of whom or what comes into its path. A forest fire has the ability to destroy hectares of trees. The aftermath of the fire encourages new growth, rejuvenating the soil. Do we call it evil or simply accept these things to occur? It is easier to view these situations as God’s will, separate from the moral evils that human beings are capable of which becomes a question of an individual’s own free will. The problem of evil is a matter of human judgment, starting with how we define God and how we define good and evil. The distinction between the two can often have a justification to support the latter and vice versa. Van Inwagen gives the example of a mother leaving her young children alone late at night, while allowing her the chance to explain her actions with the possibility of positive intent, without knowing exactly what her intention was. Even though her actions are not confident, she may have an excuse to offer as a real defense. It is a very gray area to distinguish. This can conclude that good and evil can simultaneously exist. At times, one may outweigh the