Logical problem of evil
The problem of evil has been a controversial topic since ancient philosophy. This essay seeks to analyze the various opinions advanced by Bruce Russell, Richard Swinburne and B.C Johnson. This problem of evil is studied under philosophy of religion and metaphysics. The logical problem of evil is based on the contradiction of existence of omniscient God full of all goodness and the evils and suffering encountered by innocent people.
Bruce Russell advances the argument that, God being omniscient knows all that is in future. Therefore, it is inconsistence with God’s goodness and knowledge not to prevent evils and suffering encountered by man. This is a contradiction, God’s foreknowledge and allowing evil to happen made Russell to conclude God does not exist.
Richard Swinburne put forward an argument that, God being all knowing and omnipotent commits evil by omission when he fails to divert or prevent evils and suffering facing innocent men and women. He speaks of four evils; physical, mental, state and moral evil. The initial three evils occur to animals and humans in the world. Moral evil is executed by men.
B.C Johnson argues that God’s goodness contradict the suffering of innocent people. He highlights an example of child trapped in a burning house, the pain he/she suffers before he/she dies. In all this pain and suffering God just watches and He does not intervene. This God’s inaction in the midst of all suffering necessarily makes God imperfect and hence not all good.
The problem of evil has its answer in the theological arguments. Creation has been created with some imperfections. Evil is understood to mean deprivation of what ought to be there. Therefore, due to these imperfections evil is present.