Abstract This paper argues that the proposition set up by J.L. Mackie whereby he claims to prove that an all-mighty, all-goodGod 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.
Abstract This paper examines St. Augustine's doctrine on evil. St. Augustine believed that God made a perfect world, but that God's creatures turned away from God of their own free will, through different types of falls, and that is how evil originated in the world. It shows how Augustine's approach to a solution to the problem of evil has three main parts: The author explains how Augustine assumes that evil is a privation and cannot be properly said to exist at all, he argues that the apparent imperfection of any part of creation disappears in light of the perfection of the whole and he argues that moral evil, together with that suffering which is created as punishment for sin, originates in the free nature of the will of all creatures. According to Augustine, God has allowed evil to exist in the world because it does not conflict with His goodness. He did not create evil but is also not a victim of it. He simply allows it to exist.
From the Paper "In Augustine's study of the problem of evil, he argues that there are a variety of things that are good. Without this variety, he says, there can be a greater good ness of things as a whole than there would be if this variety did not exist. Augustine also argues that evil is not completely real in itself. Instead, it is dependent on something more real, like disease, which is a form of evil. He points out that disease can only exist in a body, which is a form of good. Therefore, Augustine says, God, who is the source of everything that exists, is not in contest with a positive being or a counterpart that is evil."
Abstract This paper analyzes whether there is a goodGod or whether things are good only because God says they are. This paper gives examples throughout the Bible and contemporary literature on this topic as well as philosophical and sociological arguments regarding this religious question.
From the Paper "It is an old question, though some would suggest a largely semantic one. "Is the good good because God approves of it, or does God approve of the good because it is good?" Or in other, older words, which is greater -- the righteousness of a man or the righteousness --the holiness-- of God. There are three essential ways to approach the question, and they render answers of entirely different authoritative natures. The orthodox thinker can say with some bravado that he has a definite, entirely scriptural response. The humanitarian, the secularist, and the philosopher can find themselves in a bind approaching the idea, which eventually finds itself ending not as a question about the nature of good, but rather about the nature of God. The third approach, which it is unfortunate more people do not explore, is to deny the existence of the question. This response simple says that the question cannot be answered because it is nonsensical, making no more sense than to ask, in a Seussical manner, "Is Binting Binting because a Binterdingis Bints, or does a Binterdingis Bint because Binting is Binting?" But for the moment, let the reader assume that there is a difference between the God and the Good, and that both exists -- at least in the minds ands texts of the mass of humanity."
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 enterprize 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. "
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". "
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."
This is a personal essay examining and analyzing arguments about both the good and bad of today's morality, a value-system that is generally without God's influence.
Abstract This is an essay which discusses God and morality. It looks at how God is viewed by different people. The author disagrees that a lack in faith in God has contributed to the country's current moral fibre, and argues that while moral standards and looser values are in existance today, but they are a result of the influence of the mass media and dissolution of the nuclear family, and not because of absence of a God-based society.
From the Paper "The negative effects of the loss of God are just as crucial to understand in discussing God and morality. These have often been overlooked by those who welcome all things new and better at whatever cost. The fact that society has lost the perception of harmony and unity created by divine guidance means that it can be argued that there are no universal morals left in the world. The acceptability of certain acts that were considered immoral before bothers many of us, and the term "liberalization" is often used in society when we really mean that we are without common norms of behavior or values."
Abstract This paper supports Mackie's position that the traditional Judeo/Christian/Muslim God cannot possibly exist given the evidence of the existence of evil, since God is omnipotent, omniscient and most importantly, Good. The writer maintains that if God did exist and was as described, then evil could not possibly exist because God would do everything - could, in fact - to prevent it, yet evil abounds.
From the Paper "The question of whether or not God, in the Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradition, exists is as old as the religions themselves, and has been answered many times in many different ways. God is said to be omniscient and omnipotent, yet Evil still exists in the world. According to J.L. Mackie and other philosophers, this trilemma is irreconcilable, and therefore God must not exist. It is the writer's argument that Evil does exist, therefore God cannot exist if the statements regarding the power and knowledge of God are true. It is important to establish meanings of the words God and Evil for the purposes of this discussion. The definition of God given by the American Heritage Dictionary will suffice: "a. A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions"."
Abstract This paper discusses how goodness is viewed in two distinctly different historical and cultural contexts, namely, Dante's "Inferno" and Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics." The writer explains that Aristotle is primarily concerned with the practical dynamic of relationships between behavior and human interaction, while the "Inferno," an intellectual descendant of the rationality of "Nicomachean Ethics," reflects equally the influence of medieval Christian ideas of justice and goodness. The writer shows where Dante concurs with Aristotle and where the 'good of intellect' in Dante does not refer to a core morality but to goodness as part of Christian morality. The paper concludes that although Dante's Christian ideology provides a stark contrast in perspective, the works remain equally committed to the idea of goodness as a function of human interaction.
From the Paper "Indeed, morality is the underlying matter of consideration in Dante's Inferno, with the human interaction being an extension of Christian justice. Any divergence therefrom represented an idea that, while not necessarily erroneous in its nature, was presented to be an emanation from error. The unwavering and mathematically unbiased law of God as in Dante's work is the body to which human beings are the nearly vestigial extremities. As Socrates' and Plato's presence in Hell illustrates, such extremities could often even be counter-intuitive to the necessary functions of this body."
Abstract This paper explains that both Luther and Augustine agreed that every form of matter and every event is the product of God's creation and that that this was the fundamental example of God's grace - His love and favor towards man. The paper then goes on to explain how the two religious philosophers differed in their conception of free will and its relation to God's grace.
From the Paper "St. Augustine believed that because God's grace was good, then everything he created was also originally good. In denying the veracity of original sin, however, he came up against the problem of explaining why man commits sins. Plato once argued that man's evil came from ignorance, but Augustine disagreed. He believed instead that man's fundamental condition was one of freedom and will. Because man is free, he can choose to direct his attentions to God or to the objects of the material world. He can choose to sin or to repent and do good."
Abstract This paper discusses the views of Socrates. Aristotle and Euthyphro on truth, goodness and rational right. It examines these issues from different points of view and includes excerpts from these thinkers' works and theories such as: Nicomachean Ethics, The Republic and more. It compares the views of these thinkers on these issues and contrasts them.
From the Paper "Socrates had long been known for questioning the premises of his society. He was a traveling teacher, who claimed that he knew nothing, and yet managed to preach his unique views through enlightening series of questions that forced whoever he may address to slowly abandon their way of thought and take a fresh look at the world. He was a sweeping, revolutionary force in the world. Unfortunately, the world does not always like revolution. He was brought up on charges on impiety; his accusers claimed that because he questioned certain preconceptions about the gods that he did not believe in them and that he corrupted the innocent minds of youth. The penalty he faced was death. It was against this truly significant background that he undertook to debate the origin of piety and goodness. On his way to trial, he stopped one Euthyphro, a man proclaimed as a prophet and seer of the gods. "Tell me then, what is the pious, and what the impious, do you say"? (Euthyphro, 5d) This is a vital question not only in terms of Socrates? impending need to defend himself before his judges, but also in the scope of the world. After all, if piety is a supreme virtue, then surely one ought to know what it is."
Tags: Socrates, Euthyphro, Delphi, truth, God, impiety, goodness, rational, right
Abstract This paper an analysis of Flannery O Connor's short story "A Good Man is Hard to Find". The analysis focuses on the author's apparent belief that acts of violence are often more necessary than religious beliefs or faiths in order to demonstrate the "truth" about human nature.
From the Paper "The characters in Flannery O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find are hard, that is they are hard headed. The Grandmother's insistence that her family take a detour to view a historic house results in the murder .."
Abstract This paper analyzes the creation of humans by gods and how they are portrayed in religions and myths. It studies 'Genesis' and 'Popul Vuh' and analyzes excerpts from them discussing the forming of the Mayans by the gods. It concludes that truth is dangerous to the gods according the the examples of the Jewish people and the Mayans and the way the gods treated them.
From the Paper "Why should truth be so dangerous to the gods? Why should knowledge of the truth be so threatening to those who inhabit the heavens? We do not know this, and yet it must be true, for one of the similarities in many creation myths ? drawn from cultures very distant from one another ? is the idea that while the gods initially make humans who are wise and even omniscient, afterwards they change their creations so that humans are limited in their knowledge, in their ability to divine the truth. The gods create us in their own image, at least to the extent that we are wise like they are, and then they punish us for bearing the same attributes that they themselves carry."
Abstract This paper explains that the Greek god Apollo represents archery, music and the sun. The author points out that, by being raised on the island of Delos, he was trained by Themis to develop god-like skills away from other Olympian gods and the lower mortals of Earth. The paper relates that, by being the son of Zeus and Leto, Apollo had the powers of both a Titan and Olympian, making him unusually powerful within the pantheon of Greek Gods.
Abstract This paper analyzes the main theme found in "The Aeneid", that is that the gods will have their way even when some of them differ in opinion from other gods. The paper describes the writings by Virgil that the Italian gods and goddesses are connected closely to the humans in the story and how the gods in The Aeneid play a vital role in directing humans to do their will even when there are negative consequences from their actions.
From the Paper " The Gods in "The Aeneid" "The God of Love obeys, and sets aside his bow and quiver, and his plumy pride; he walks Iulus in his mother's sight, and in the sweet resemblance takes delight. The goddess then to your Ascanius flies..." (Virgil, Aeneid.1.i). Cupid, the god of love, takes the form of Aeneas's son so that the queen will fall passionately in love with Aeneas. This is only part one and the gods are active in the story:"The Aeneid" by Virgil. The main theme found in "The Aeneid" is the gods will have their way even when some of them differ in opinion from other gods. "
