The Augustinian and Iranaean Theodicies

     The Iranaean Theodicy however, looks to perfection in the future, and that the world created in chaos and imperfections will learn and move towards becoming children of God. I suggests that were created in the image and likeness of God, having reasoning and consciousness which makes us moral beings, created with potentiality to be like God and our purpose in life is to become like Him. In order to attain this, we receive the gift of freedom, and the moral struggle is considered to have more intrinsic value in the long run, to decide for ourselves to do so. It is felt that if we had all knowledge and knew God, we could not do wrong. We must exist epistomologically in order to freely make this conscious decision.

     The theodicies may begin in opposition, the ideals of perfection lying in different ends of life, however both view human freedom as it's weakness. Both accept that it is necessary in God's love and to freely appreciate him, however according to these theodicies, it would appear to be the fault of man that chaos exists in the world. The Iranaean is more optimistic however, believing that we will all eventually be willing to move towards God; some people merely needing more time than others, and taking longer, more complicated paths on our way. It sees that we are imperfect beings and that freedom means that we may go either way. Some move up, others do not work well with imperfection, moving the other way. The Afterlife is universal salvation for all; some need more time to work to God. This does however, seem slightly dismissive of the principle of free will as it suggests that we will all ultimately become God's children as we will eventually choose to do so. The Augustinian theodicy presents the Fall of mankind and natural evil cancelling out the moral evil brought about by man. It also supports the afterlife, however suggesting the principles of Heaven and Hell which serve as the result of the way in which we have chosen to live our lives. Those who deserve punishment in the eyes of God will suffer an eternity in Hell as opposed to the Iranaean Theodicy which insists that we will all become God's children as we gain knowledge and experience of Him. The problem of evil existing in an eternity cannot surely be created by the Lord of perfection though as it perfection cannot begin to be associated with evil.