Metaphysical Problem of Evil

(Originally written March 24, 2007 in book 25)

The Metaphysical Problem of Evil

Metaphysical problem: If God created everything that exists and evil exists did God create evil?

In denying that God created evil, theists are open to criticisms of dualism and illusionism.

The Problem of Metaphysical Evil and Alternatives for Theism

1. God is the cause of everything that exists
2. Evil is something that exists
3. Therefore, God is the cause of evil

If anyone denies premise one they accept dualism. If anyone denies premise two they accept illusionism. The theist can do neither.

Illusionism is a Denial of theism: accepting illusionism is accepting pantheism.

Dualism is a denial of theism. Christianity rejects panentheism and quasi-theism. So it cannot accept dualism.

A Christianized Platonic dualism is not an option for Christians.

The Theistic Answers to Metaphysical Dualism: Evil is not a real entity

1) God is only the efficient cause of every finite substance
2) Evil is not a substance
3) Therefore, God is not the efficient cause of evil

Evil has no existence of its own. It exists only in created substances.