1.) Compare and contrast the Augustinian and Irenaean theodicies and their attempts to solve the problem of evil.

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1.) Compare and contrast the Augustinian and Irenaean theodicies and their attempts to solve the problem of evil.

The problem of evil is a significant and enduring philosophical and theological debate which frequently finds itself in the media. First discussed by the Greek philosopher Epicurus (371-270 BC), it is one which has challenged the faith of man for millennia; how could an omniscient, omnipotent and benevolent god or gods allow suffering and evil to exist in the world? For scores of people, wrestling with this problem has even caused them to lose their faith.

Although the word “evil” is most often used to describe human or supernatural agents, it has a broader definition that that. So, while Hitler and Stalin would undoubtedly be included in such a discussion, evil also covers so-called “Acts of God” – such as floods and famines – as well as other imperfections in the world and its creatures – such as diseases and disorders. There are two main types of evil:

  • Moral evil – This covers the wilful acts of human beings, e.g. murder.
  • Natural evil – This refers to natural disasters, e.g. tsunamis.

Of these two types, we may further divide both of them into the following two classes:

  • Physical evil – This means bodily pain or mental anguish, e.g. fear.
  • Metaphysical evil – This refers to such things as imperfection and chance, e.g. deformities.

Many think, that surely if God is omniscient, it follows that He knows about the suffering in the world, for if the creator did not know about these abysmal conditions, he could not be termed omniscient. If the assumption that God is benevolent is accepted, then it follows that He should want to prevent any suffering from existing. Once God recognises these conditions of the world and his responsibility to put right what is wrong, God should attempt to stop any suffering, and should be able to if He is indeed omnipotent. Therefore, although in theory the God of classical theism should have the ability, power and will to prevent suffering, it still exists. As St Augustine put it, “Either God cannot abolish evil, or he will not; if he cannot then he is not all-powerful; if he will not then he is not all good.” The question becomes “Why?”, and also “Where does this evil stem from?”

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Two of the most popular theodicies which try to answer these questions whilst protecting God’s classical, benevolent image are the Irenaen theodicy advocated by St Irenaus (130-201 AD), which was later adopted and adapted by John Hick (1922-present), and the Augustinian theodicy proposed by St Augustine, or Augustine of Hippo (254-430 AD). Both theodicies work towards the same goal; to explain the existence of God whilst maintaining the three fundamental qualities of the God of classical theism, yet they take very different paths.

St Augustine thought that God was the source of everything, which he believed had been ...

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