Divine Omnipotence

Description

Lecture label: 
TH601-7

Discussion about how the existence of evil is consistent with God's character.

Outline

The Problem of Evil

Part 2
 

IV.  Divine Omnipotence

A.  God does not violate the law of non-contradiction.

B.  Are there evils that cannot be eliminated without bringing about a greater evil or lesser good?

 

V.  The Christian's Basic Assumption about Evil

A.  God created a world that now contains evil and has a good reason for doing so.

B.  Two Questions

1.  Suppose we do not know what God's reason is?

2.  Why does the basic assumption stress the word "now"?

C.  How did evil enter the world?

1.  Augustine's Theory

2.  Degrees of Goodness

3.  Evil occurs when a lower good is elevated above a higher good.

4.  Satan elevated himself.

5.  Where did the impulse in Satan come from?

 

VI.  God permits evil to prevent a greater evil or lesser good.

A.  What are the alternatives?

B.  Reasons why evil exists

 

VII.  Final Considerations

A.  Who has the burden of proof?

B.  Does the naturalist cheat?

C.  Are there worse things than dying?

D.  Two Scriptures

1.  Romans 8:28

2.  Romans 8:18

E.  Marilyn McCord Adams, Horrendous Evils and the Goodness of God

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