Judaism and the Problem of Evil

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Judaism addresses the problem of evil without doubting the full existence either of evil or of God and without blaming the problem of evil on supernatural forces such as evil spirits or the divine workings of Karma. The author points out that the Jewish faith suggests that the existence of evil was necessary because it allowed God to create the universe and the concept of free will. The paper relates that, like that of many transcendental Eastern religions, Judaism's relationship to suffering addresses the value and benefit of evil in the world because evil works to clean the soul.

From the Paper:

"This idea that humanity's free will forces evil into the world is a common theme in most religions and even among atheists. Many people have an instinct that suggests some outside force works on humans, however, encouraging them to do evil when they would not have a tendency to do it by themselves. For example, in Christian culture the idea of a "devil" who can "make" people do bad things is very common. Christians believe that one of God's angels rebelled and fell from heaven, and now leads an army of demons on earth who wreck havoc on humans, both tempting them to do evil and striking at them with external evil like cancer or natural disasters. Judaism, however, does not believe in anything of the sort, nor do the Hebrew scriptures support this view. On the contrary, according to Jewish understandings, Satan is not a rebel but an obedient angel who is "His Majesty's loyal opposition"."

More papers on Judaism and the Problem of Evil:

• Essay # 85599 : "The Problem of Evil: Karma, Conflict or Justice?"
• Analytical Essay # 142931 : "John Hick on "The Problem of Evil"
• Book Review # 91705 : "The Problem of Evil"

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