Date
12-19-2022
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MA)
Chair
Edward N. Martin
Keywords
problem of evil, natural evil, evil, Augustine, plantinga, hick, Hume, Rowe, theodicy, moral evil, Euthyphro, Anselm, G.E. Moore
Disciplines
Philosophy | Religion
Recommended Citation
Delaney, Andrew James, "On Natural Evil: Augustine, Plantinga, and Hick" (2022). Masters Theses. 945.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/945
Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical problem of natural evil. Natural evil in the world creates a stumbling block between people and their faith in God. What can be said of the coexistence of God and evil in the world? The purpose of this paper is to address the criticisms of Christianity in light of natural evil and to share several theistic responses to the problem of natural evil. Specific considerations are made to the greater context of the story of humanity. Alvin Plantinga's free-will defense is evaluated first as a foundation for discussion. Contributions from Augustine, John Hick, William Rowe, G.E. Moore, David Hume, and others are all considered.
