How can theists reply to the problem of evil and suffering?

MYTUTOR SUBJECT ANSWERS

Answers / Philosophy and Ethics / A Level / How can theists reply to the problem of evil and suffering?

575 views

How can theists reply to the problem of evil and suffering?

There are a number of theodicies used to defend the existence of God against the problem of evil and suffering. One such argument is called the free will defence and is advocated by Alvin Plantinga. He argues that the existence of evil is justified in order to allow us free will: a world with free agents is more valuable than a world where God prevents us from acting in morally bad ways. So the existence of evil and suffering is our responsibility and this preserves the nature of God. However it could be argued that we could preserve free will to an extent while having less evil in the world. For example, we could have the freedom to choose but not the freedom to act, or we could be necessarily good beings. But the theist could repond that this is not genuine freedom and argue that real freedom requires the ability to act.

Abbie S. A Level Philosophy and Ethics tutor, A Level French tutor, G...

1 year ago

Answered by Abbie, an A Level Philosophy and Ethics tutor with MyTutor

Still stuck? Get one-to-one help from a personally interviewed subject specialist

24 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

Sara S. A Level Philosophy and Ethics tutor, A Level Psychology tutor

View profile

£20 /hr

Sara S.

Degree: Philosophy with Psychology (Bachelors) - Warwick University

Subjects offered:Philosophy and Ethics, Psychology

“I have also had previous experience mentoring first year students, so really think I have the skills needed in order make my tutees thrive.”

MyTutor guarantee

Save profile

Amir J. A Level French tutor, IB French tutor, GCSE French tutor, 13 ...

View profile

£26 /hr

Adrienne J.

Degree: BA (Hons) Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (Bachelors) - Kings, London University

Subjects offered:Philosophy and Ethics, Spanish+ 3 more

“I am a Theology & Philosophy student at King's College London (University of London). As an aspiring ph.D student, I have taught students from GCSE to A Level in Religious Studies, Philosophy & Ethics, and French (AQA, Edexcel, and OC...”

5.0

3 reviews | 23 completed tutorials

Save profile

Francesca D. A Level Business Studies tutor, GCSE Business Studies tu...

View profile

£20 /hr

Francesca D.

Degree: Philosophy (Bachelors) - Exeter University

Subjects offered:Philosophy and Ethics, Philosophy+ 2 more

“A friendly, approachable and committed tutor with a great enthusiasm for helping students reach their full potential! ”

5.0

1 review | 1 completed tutorial

Save profile

See more A Level Philosophy and Ethics tutors

About the author

View profile

Abbie S.

Currently unavailable: until 18/09/2016

Degree: Philosophy (Bachelors) - Bristol University

Subjects offered:Philosophy and Ethics, Music+ 1 more

“I'm studying Philosophy at the University of Bristol. This is a subject that inspires conversation and so I love to chat through ideas and am passionate aboutexploring different viewpoints. It's an exciting and challenging subject tha...”

5.0

1 review | 8 completed tutorials

Save profile

Version:	3.49.4
Build:	b2e05e7dfef3
Time:	2017-08-18T11:35:22Z

MYTUTOR SUBJECT ANSWERS

How can theists reply to the problem of evil and suffering?

Still stuck? Get one-to-one help from a personally interviewed subject specialist

24 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

About the author

You may also like...

Other A Level Philosophy and Ethics questions

One-to-one help is at your fingertips