Humankind considers religious studies to be the most disputable field of science and / or view of life. Such approach based on division of people into those who perceive religious corns of world construction, and those who do not believe in God, known also as “atheists”. An issue under discussion is the problem of evil or so-called theodicy problem in the world. The main idea of above-mentioned problem is that if God is perfectly good and all-knowing Creator then why there are so many troubles all over the world. This is the way why existence of God called into question. In my opinion, there is no doubtless reply while approach on theodicy problem depends on external factors. For instance, when someone is delighted he does not accept existence of evil whereas being disappointed human tries to find weaknesses of the world construction in order to explain his negative condition.
For better understanding of theodicy problem, it is necessary to disclose approaches on this issue. There are two primary ways to distinguish essence of theodicy problem. English philosopher and theologian John Hick offered St. Augustine’s and St. Irenaeus approaches. According to the Augustinian theodicy, the problem of evil originate from the Fall and distinguished as absence of good. Whereas St. Irenaeus considered that, the Fall is not the reason of evil existence. The world is on its own mixture of goodness and evil. Humankind focused on reaching perfection through overcoming difficulties. (The problem of evil, n. d.)
What humanity understands under the term of “evil”? In this paper, the term of “evil” is used as events that negatively affect peoples’ life. Generally, evil can be divided into two types. First type is moral evil that appears in human actions, for example murders, abuse, corruption and others. In different words, moral evil caused by human acts and depends mostly on individual’s willing. Second type of evil called natural evils. Natural evils do not depend on humanity; such evils cannot be controlled or prevented by peoples’ willing. (The problem of evil, n. d.) Nevertheless, in my opinion, it is worth to mention, that for some troubles humanity anyway bears responsibility. For instance, due to technologic advance that caused climate change many natural disasters took place.
However, what about whole nations who are starving, suffering from wars, diseases and others? Does it related to willing of God or maybe it is consequences of humanity actions? This is the point of being under discussion of theodicy problem. On this ground, it is almost impossible to define real corns of things, is it God’s willing or human action. It is fair to assume that problem of evil is mostly related to humankind behavior rather than perfectly good God. It is especially convenient to accuse someone, in current occasion powerful God, for those who have immoral conduct that leads to agony of people. In the meantime, troubles that happen to whole nations may have another basis that is mostly related to God willing. Many natural disasters, which happen all over the world may God willing. Natural evils such as disease, earthquakes and floods, possibly indicate problems that appear in society. Natural evils can serve as a sign of mistakes made by people. For example, when acts of force, sexual abuse and other types of violence widely take place in society or even if society becomes amoral in behavior, unexpected natural catastrophes serve as a reminder of existence of God whose power is in large excess over.
With reference to above-mentioned idea of difficulties, which is considered to be examination for humanity, extra point of view occurs. Many religions, in particularly world religions, indicate life as a temporary stay of individual in current world. Way of living, basic principles define individual’s destiny after death. For instance, there is a belief in Islam religion that real life begins after death and current being is a preparation/ examination for eternal life after death. Human’s behavior in time of difficulties, his own actions will be taken into consideration after death. The above assumption plays crucial role while it defines whether individual is worthy of Heaven. (Craig, n. d)
Analyzing issue on why good people face bad things following consideration arises. Egoistic nature of individual makes him to compare himself with other people. As a result, assumptions such as “Why God is severe towards me?” develop. In such occasions, individual perceives his situation as an occurrence of evil. However, in most cases individual does not assume measures to overcome negative challenges in his life. Moreover, such individual does not take into account that part of people who have even less luck. Additionally, in my opinion, people forget their internal strength to pull through difficulties while being faced challenges. It can be explained by the nature of God, who will never send troubles that the person cannot endure. On this ground, it is fair to mention that God having limited individuals in something keeps from other evils. In such manner, God keeps balance over the world. This approach evidently corresponds to Hinduism religion principles. According to Hindu theology, evil and goodness exist together in order to maintain harmony and balance in the world. Additionally, term of “karma” in Hinduism clearly explains events that happen to individual. In comparison with Islam religion, Hinduism promotes an idea of previous life. Consequently, the past, present and future of an individual are interrelated and interdependent. (Willet, 2015)
The problem of evil also involves way of thinking. Last years an idea that human’s thoughts materialize is becoming popular. Why do we connect way of thinking with theodicy problem? The answer is simple. Thinking negatively individual attracts unfavorable events into his life. Actually, world religions confirms that God accepts all prayer’s requests. Individual whose thoughts are dark receives adventures as an answer to his negative ideas. On this ground, many religious and psychological books convince us to reflect on words we are pronouncing and thoughts. Such approach discloses theodicy problem from another side. It is considered that God endued with omnipotence and benevolence and is ready to accept humanity’s requests, so then it is not God’s fault that people face challenges. However, people do not recognize that the reason of their troubles possibly based on the way of thinking. As it was mentioned before, it is easier to accuse someone else rather than step up to the plate.
As can be seen from the above theodicy problem being part of religious studies based on disputable arguments. Statements on this issue mostly grounded on personal beliefs, moral ethics and generally accepted notions. However, there several items could be listed from current paper. Firstly, evils happens not only due to God willing, but also because of evil existence. Those human actions followed by universal troubles are considered as Devil’s incitement whereas perfectly good God gives opportunity to make good. Secondly, when naturally disasters take place society needs to pay attention to its behavior. Moreover, what is important is that society should accept given signs.
It is important to keep in mind that evils, which take place in the world, cannot be justified by God willing. Humankind bears responsibility for those actions that resulted peace-breaking violations such as arms drive, abuse, bloody wars, and other. On this ground, humankind/ individual should withstand to difficulties and control his emotions, thereby confirming positive nature of human. I hold an opinion that every individual has a choice to believe or not believe in God. It is obvious that it is quite difficult to believe in things that cannot be seen or touched. However, here it is important to mention that such characteristics as inwardness, decree, and patience will maintain belief in God. There is all known statement that even if we do not see things it does not mean that things do not exist. Therefore, it can be concluded, that evils exist and God can send them to humanity; however, it should not reduce his benevolence and goodness. Humanity should try to change their own behavior and thoughts in order to make fewer troubles in this world.
References
Problem of evil, (n. d) Sevenoaks School. Retrieved from http://www.sevenoaksphilosophy.org/religion/problem-of-evil.html
Craig, W. (n. d) Problem of evil. Reasonable Faith. Retrieved from http://www.reasonablefaith.org/the-problem-of-evil
Willet, S. (2015) Evil and Theodicy in Hinduism. The Denison Journal on Religion. Retrieved from https://journals.denison.edu/religion/2015/04/17/evil-and-theodicy-in-hinduism-by-sunder-willett-15/
