Abstract
This paper describes Mary Rowlandson's hardships in "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God", relating how her Puritanism gave her a framework for interpreting her ordeals.

From the Paper
"Mary and Joseph Rowlandson's Puritanism gave them a framework for interpreting their ordeals during their captivity among the Indians, as Neal Salisbury wrote; "Mary Rowlandson met every ordeal and interpreted it in the light of scripture which she liberally interspersed throughout her book. Had she not known the scriptures so thoroughly, she would undoubtedly have found it difficult to do this but with a wealth of scripture apparently committed to memory, she found an apt application of scripture for every hardship she endured...""

Tags:The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, Mary Rowlandson, history, colonies, starvation, hardship

Abstract
This paper examines Mary Rowlandson's narrative "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God" and explains how Rowlandson offers vivid accounts of Native lifestyles, with women and religious figures existing outside of, and in opposition to, English Puritan society. The paper discusses the social context of Rowlandson's life and the publication of "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God". Next, the paper explores Rowlandson's narrative in terms of the essentially inferior relationship between Christians and non-Christians in an effort to discern more about 17th century English Puritan society. The paper then looks at how "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God" is autobiographical in nature, describing the author's first-hand account of being in captivity, but not autobiographical in the traditional sense because it focuses exclusively on the three months she spent in Native captivity when she was about thirty-nine years old but not on her life before and after captivity.

From the Paper
"The bullets that sliced through the Rowlandson Garrison in 1676 facilitated a tear in the division of two cultural realms, a transfer between civilizations that resulted in the induction of Mary White Rowlandson into the Native world. For 11 weeks the boundaries of Rowlandson's cultural identification were tested as she was forced to live and participate in the society of her captors. During this time, the essential nature of her identity and status in society changed; rather than being the mistress of her own respected household, Rowlandson found herself occupying the lowest rung of Native society. She was now a captive servant to her Native master and mistresses."

Tags:native, culture, English, Puritan, society, Christians, Indian, captivity

Abstract
This paper argues that the proposition set up by J.L. Mackie whereby he claims to prove that an all-mighty, all-good God and the existence of evil are logically contradictory is itself in error. The paper uses the concept of a "process-relational" God, first proposed by Alfred North Whitehead, to disprove Mackie's argument. The paper also shows that this does not damage God's omnipotence any more than neo-Thomist arguments do.

Tags:God, omnipotent, logic, evil, nature, Whitehead

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the basis of Leibniz's views on evil and its compatibility with God that have been brought forth in this study. By analyzing the Monadology and Theodicy of Leibniz, one can understand the arguments in relation to unity of the universe and why God plays a central role in defining the good in relation to what is evil. The writer points out that also by comparing and contrasting the views of Descartes and Spinoza, one can realize the different forms of causality in relation to creationist ideology and why Leibniz argues for the good of God to superimpose all natural laws or points.

From the Paper
"In this philosophical study, the issue of God and the compatibility of evil in the ideology of Leibniz will be examined and analyzed. By realizing the logical omnipotence of God as a being of `good', one can realize how evil and suffering are compatible in Leibniz's philosophy. By understanding Leibniz's Monadology and Theodicy, the basis for God's existence can be explained through comparing and contrasting Descartes and Spinoza. In essence, Leibniz seeks to make God compatible with suffering and evil in this philosophical analysis. The basis of Leibniz's philosophy in the Monadology is directly related to object that exist within the cosmos. In this manner, Leibniz found that if two comparable objects were the same, they were unified by their defining principles."

Tags:leibnez, plato, physical

Abstract
The paper discusses how philosophers such as J.L. Mackie have posed two important challenges to the theist belief in a good, omnipotent, omniscient God - such as the God of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. The paper explains that both of these challenges relate to the existence of so much arbitrary, unjust evil and suffering in our world. The paper notes that the first challenge sets out to prove that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with the existence of a good, omnipotent God. The paper explains that the second challenge argues deductively and logically from the existence of evil, arguing that the existence of evil in itself is adequate proof that no such God can exist. This paper briefly reviews these challenges, and shows that either separately or together, they pose a very serious challenge to theists - so serious indeed that it is hard to see how any thinker can maintain a belief in such a God in any logically or intellectually coherent way.

From the Paper
"Philosophers such as J.L. Mackie have posed two important challenges to the theist belief in a good, omnipotent, omniscient God - such as the God of Judaism, Islam or Christianity. Both of these challenges relate to the existence of so much arbitrary, unjust evil and suffering in our world. The first challenge sets out to prove that the existence of evil is..."

Tags:philosophy, mackie, god

Abstract
This paper puts forward the views of different philosophers on the question "If God is the Creator of everything and He is good, perfect and just, why did He create evil and allow it to exist?" It examines how St. Thomas Aquinas sees evil as having no purpose or substance of its own, because God did not create it and neither does He allow it. It exists only because the human will, which is free, opts for it. It looks at how the philosophies of Peter Kreeft and Bill King are based on the same principle. The sole cause and source of evil is the very freedom of the human will.

From the Paper
"One of the greatest doctors of the Catholic Church, St. Thomas Aquinas answers it point-by-point. He says that evil is not an essence, form or substance, which goodness possesses. Rather it is the absence of that goodness, or the privation of good (Aquinas). A created thing or creature is created for a purpose by God and that purpose is necessarily good, because God created it, and that creature's nature is directed at that purpose, which is good. When the creature, by his or her own free will, decides not to opt for that purpose " directly or indirectly " he or she violates his or her own nature, which is aimed or directed towards his or her own good, and therefore, commits evil."

Tags:human, will, god, st, thomas, aquinas, bill, king, peter, kreeft

Abstract
If God exists, as is indicated in Christian Biblical record, then God is omnipotent (Perry, 1999, p. 1). Being omnipotent God has the power to control any and every thing that exists in the world. The existence of God, therefore, should mean that the world was perfect and that there was no evil. Yet, if God does exist and He did decide that He would give man free will, or the will to choose his own moral path, one of those choices would not be evil because God, if omnipotent, would not have allowed evil to exist at all. Even still, if God did allow evil to exist in the world, God, being the vision of the power in the Bible, would prevent evil from affecting the innocent and harming those that did not embrace evil as part of their moral fiber. Yet, because evil does exist and because evil continues to impact all individuals, regardless of their moral strength, God cannot exist because there is no support for the notion that He has the power to control evil on the earth. If he does not have this power, as the Bible states, then the Biblical record is incorrect and, if so, then there is no God.

From the Paper
Good and Evil: The Existence of God Explain the argument against the existence of God from the problem of Evil. If God exists, as is indicated in Christian Biblical record, then God is omnipotent (Perry, 1999, p. 1). Being omnipotent God has the power to control any and every thing that exists in the world. The existence of God, therefore, should mean that the world was perfect and that there was no evil. Yet, if God does exist and He did decide that He would give man free will, or the will to choose his own moral path, one of those choices would not be evil because God, if omnipotent, would not have allowed evil

Tags:philosophy, god, theory

Abstract
This paper answers some important questions in connection with reason, God and religion with reference to ancient philosophers. This paper shows how these philosophers gave us some interesting views on the subject of God, which may prove helpful in understanding the nature of good in a world where evil often dominates.

From the Paper
"Socrates maintained that "reason" must dominate every community and its beliefs or else the world would turn into a chaotic, poorly organized unit. He was of the view that with reason comes knowledge, which further helps the statesmen in acting virtuously. Virtue is then the most important product of reason, which is needed to save a society. Here it is important to keep in mind that Socrates wasn't concerned with reason for its own sake but because of the notion that it could give birth to knowledge and virtue. It is also critical to know that for Socrates, reason was not connected with an ability to separate right from wrong. Instead he felt that reason was something that helped a man attain "natural order". "

Tags:nature, good, religion, reason, moral, just

Abstract
This paper discusses the manner in which Milton developed the characters of God and Satan in John Milton's "Paradise Lost". It examines how it often seems as though Milton is subtly encouraging the reader to empathize with Satan's struggle against Heaven and how he possesses many of the characteristics of an epic hero-- his stature, nobility, and epic feats. Many of his characteristics are compared to those of another hero, Beowulf. In contrast, it shows how God exhibits many evil traits but at the end it is good that triumphs over evil and Satan degenerates into his demonic self and we see him for what he is.

From the Paper
"While Satan possesses these heroic traits, they might not be enough to win our sympathy if Milton had not given the demon psychological depth. Far from being inherently evil, Satan undergoes a transformation, wrestling with fear and guilt. Milton summarizes: "Satan now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where he must now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alone against God and Man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions, fear, envy, and despair; but at length confirms himself in evil" (p. 317). To achieve his goal of revenge, Satan stifles his humanity but that means that he does have some humanity to stifle. "

Tags:antagonist, hero, beowulf, good, evil, man, heaven

Abstract
This paper follows the course of a legendary myth: "The Feud Between Horus and Seth". The writer examines this myth and finds the parallels to Christianity. It points out that even those who do not practice as Christians are well aware of the Bible's teaching of Lucifer, commonly known as the Devil, and God, a perfect example of good versus evil. The paper begins by reliving the myth of Horus and Seth, followed by the Biblical tale of the fall of Lucifer and the casting to Hell. It then looks at the aspects of these stories and explores commonalities that have transcended time and place to depict this constant struggle for one's very soul.

From the Paper
"There is no rebuke that religion has played at the forefront of the Earth's Religions over time. These Religions or belief systems have ranged in iconology and practice but common threads are clear and concise. Most notably is the idea of "Dualism". Merriam Webster defines Dualism as a "doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil." With this definition we can further elaborate of the meaning of the concept as an intricate balance, here of good vs. evil. This theme may be as widespread as civilizations needed to classify their residents and at the same time teach them the difference between good and evil. Egyptians used Mythology to educate their society on behavior and religion. Myths are based on rivalry or struggle of the Myths characters."

Tags:egyptian, evil, good, myths, versus