A brief introduction to the problem of evil and the free will defense : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Every worldview has an explanation for the presence of evil. Some worldviews can explain evil easier than others. Many eastern perspectives explain the existence of evil in terms of a cause and effect system known as Karma. Every instance of evil that an individual may encounter during his or her lifetime is a direct result of some action or no action that was or was not performed in the past. On the other hand, the monotheistic worldview has a much more difficult time than the eastern worldview. The monotheistic position must defend the belief that an omnipotent and omni benevolent God exists, even in light of the obvious evils that have found a home here on earth. The following is a brief exploration of the problem of evil within monotheism as presented in its two forms: the logical problem of evil and the evidential problem of evil. I will examine the strengths and weaknesses of various monotheistic responses to the problem.