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On Natural Evil: Augustine, Plantinga, and Hick

by Andrew James Delaney

Institution:	Liberty University
Department:
Degree:
Year:	2022
Keywords:	problem of evil; natural evil; evil; Augustine; plantinga; hick; Hume; Rowe; theodicy; moral evil; Euthyphro; Anselm; G.E. Moore; Philosophy; Religion
Posted:	3/25/2025
Record ID:	2297713
Full text PDF:	https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/945 https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1949&context=masters

Abstract

This paper examines the philosophical problem of natural evil. Natural evil in the world creates a stumbling block between people and their faith in God. What can be said of the coexistence of God and evil in the world? The purpose of this paper is to address the criticisms of Christianity in light of natural evil and to share several theistic responses to the problem of natural evil. Specific considerations are made to the greater context of the story of humanity. Alvin Plantinga's free-will defense is evaluated first as a foundation for discussion. Contributions from Augustine, John Hick, William Rowe, G.E. Moore, David Hume, and others are all considered.