God & evil: general introduction The problem Some jargon Theodicy Two kinds of evil - natural & moral Five kinds of theodicies (suggested by David Stewart, ed., Exploring the Philosophy of Religion, 5th ed (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2001) 167-171) 1. Evil is an illusion Included as part of Augustine’s theory of evil God & evil: general introduction - 1
God & evil: general introduction 2. A limited God Some versions of Hinduism Manicheanism (Mani, Persian, c.216-276) Process philosophy? 3. Karma theories Hinduism, Jainism, & Buddhism God & evil: general introduction - 2
God & evil: general introduction Buddhism (6th century BC) Desires, thirsts, attachments cause suffering Can eliminate suffering by eliminated thirsts . . . thirsts not eliminated in one life continue in next rebirth (karma) . . . over many rebirths may eliminate suffering God & evil: general introduction - 3
God & evil: general introduction - 4 Temple in the Air ca. 5th century AD Mt. Heng-shan China God & evil: general introduction - 4
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God & evil: general introduction - 6 Buddha with monks Temple in the Air Mt. Heng-shan, China God & evil: general introduction - 6
God & evil: general introduction 4. Harmony theodicies Stoicism, c.300 B.C. to 200s A.D. There are elements of this in Augustine’s theodicy 5. Free-will theodicy This is the heart of Augustine’s theodicy (354-430) God & evil: general introduction - 7