One of the standard theistic reposes to "why does God permit evil to happen" is St. Iranaeus' concept that the world is a place of soul building. By this, evil is necessary for humans to better themselves. Does this potentially raise problems though?
- With evil existing in the world, we can try and prevent suffering and better ourselves. Evil allows us to become better people. Does this make evil a good thing then? God being benevolent can only do good acts, so the creation of evil must be good and thus evil itself becomes a good.
- If evil is then a good should we still resist evil. Does that then make us "bad" if we fight this "good". Even if our purpose is to combat it are we still behaving wrongly?
- Should we try and eradicate suffering if suffering is good? If we find a solution to all disease and poverty etc., should we use it? If we should fight evil, should we only do so to an extent?
- Would it be moral if I caused suffering. If evil is a good am I acting in a good manner by blowing up buildings, destroying wells in African villages or even killing people's loved ones? If I do these things, I cause suffering which allows other people to "build their souls". Although my acts could be wrong in themselves, am I benefiting other people?
God did seem to go a bit over the top when creating suffering in the world. Surely there would still be enough suffering without aids for example.
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