The Intellectual Problem of Evil Syllogism

[Brian_K]

During a bible study a few days back, I asked my pastor what the hardest objection was to those he was witnessing to; his reply, "the problem of evil." A long story short, my study on the subject of the problem of evil and theodicy has revealed so many wonderful truths about the sovereignty of God and the subject of free-will; both of which must have a solid foundation for an answer (even if the incorrect answer) to the problem of evil.

Now, here's where I'm a bit stuck. Can a Calvinist answer the following (classical and loosely constructed) syllogism without appealing to mystery?

Premise 1 - God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient

Premise 2 - Evil exists

Conclusion - God does not exist

I can, from an Arminian perspective (think Plantinga, Lane Craig, Lennox, etc.), explain this quite easily, although my theology would be incorrect. I cannot, however, explain it from the scriptural perspective (Calvinist perspective).

Thoughts?

 

[loDebar]

We are the bad guys in the narrative, a story of redemption of sinners

We have to be able to make bad choices in order to freely make good choices

We often make bad choices, Thus evil exists through God's permissive will.

 

[HankD]

The Mystery of Iniquity

IMO is not yet fully revealed but will so be when Satan incarnates himself as the antichrist,
the man of sin.

2 Thessalonians 2
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

 

[Brian_K]

IMO is not yet fully revealed but will so be when Satan incarnates himself as the antichrist,
the man of sin.

Thus far, I've found this to be the consensus among the early church fathers, up to today's leading commentators on the subject. It looks like my study must continue. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

A few questions: Who said Calvinists subscribe to omnibenevolence? Also, how does one define evil without an ultimate standard, aka God? And how does one know evil exists without an ultimate standard, aka God?

 

[Brian_K]

Who said Calvinists subscribe to omnibenevolence?

I have yet to meet anyone on the Calvinist - Arminian spectrum that denies the omnibenevolence of God. If you have, or, if you believe God is not all-loving (all good), can you please explain?

Also, how does one define evil without an ultimate standard, aka God? And how does one know evil exists without an ultimate standard, aka God?

A great question for the unbeliever, but not relevant specific to the syllogism I put forth. The onus is on us to attempt to answer this challenge first before asking such questions to the unbeliever, if one expects to have a dialogue.

 

[Ziggy]

The initial Premise 1 is invalid on the basis of John 3:36 as well as other passages that speak of the wrath of God in opposition to any all-encompassing view of omnibenevolence.

I also know of no Calvinists who claim a universal omnibenevolence, but only an everlasting love for his chosen/elect people.

 

[Iconoclast]

Hello Brian,
There is no free will, only self will.....
here for you enjoy;
http://www.sgbcsv.org/literature/ProblemOfEvil.pdf

 

[Brian_K]

Hello Brian,
There is no free will, only self will.....
here for you enjoy;
http://www.sgbcsv.org/literature/ProblemOfEvil.pdf

Thank you, Icon. I look forward to reading the article later this evening.

 

[37818]

First, God is infinite good. Secondly, evil is not possible without finite good.

The knowledge of good and evil was first and formost God's knowledge (Genesis 3:22).

God made man a finite good being (Genesis 1:31; Genesis 2:7).

 

[Brian_K]

I also know of no Calvinists who claim a universal omnibenevolence, but only an everlasting love for his chosen/elect people.

I don't think I've heard the term "universal omnibenevolence" used before. Of course this couldn't be correct for the Arminian or Calvinist since this would contradict (God cannot be both evil and good; He hates evil and must destroy it eventually according to His nature) what it means to be omnibenevolent based on what's been revealed about God through scripture.

Forgive me for the short explanation, I have very limited time at the moment so this will have to suffice until later. I'm looking forward to your reply.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

A great question for the unbeliever, but not relevant specific to the syllogism I put forth. The onus is on us to attempt to answer this challenge first before asking such questions to the unbeliever, if one expects to have a dialogue.

Well, I suppose I happen to be one of those evidently rare Christians who see no real problem with the two premises, but who cannot for the life of them fathom how the false conclusion follows. At the very least, you seem to have left out a couple of steps. But did you already forget the context of the OP? Or are you focused on witnessing to believers?

 

[Van]

The same "Problem of Evil" canard is posted every few months.

And as pointed out above the attribute of God always treating his creation with beneficence is a fiction.

Why does God allow evil to exist? First the calamity brought to His creation by the environment is caused by God This harsh environment serves to facilitate people seeking God as a refuge.

But what about the evil that comes from people sinning? Why does God allow that? God's purpose in creation was to choose a people for His own possession. People that love God. And in order for people to choose God, they must also have the capacity to choose sin. A choice of one option is not a choice.

But what about the Fall, where people were not only able to choose sin, they we corrupted and predisposed to choose sin. Why did God allow or bring about the Fall? Remember when God made Gideon's army smaller to increase the glory of God's victory? The Fall makes our repentance bring more glory to God.

In summary, the "Problem of Evil" is a canard.

 

[HankD]

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

 

[Van]

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill.

 

[HankD]

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill.

Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

 

[37818]

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill.

Your statement is a fallacy on the face of it. There exists a true doctrine of reprobation. Now to say there is no such true teaching is absurd.

Romans 1:20-28, Proverbs 1:23-33, John 12:37-41, Hebrews 6:4-8

Now how one understands and interprets these explicit teachings is an issue.

 

[Van]

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill. None of the verses cited support the idea.

 

[37818]

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill. None of the verses cited support the idea.

Repeating a falshood does not make it true.

 

[Van]

Repeating a falsehood does not make it true.

And repeating a "taint so" post lacking a definition of a supposedly valid doctrine is a waste of electrons.

Lets see if the Calvinist doctrine of Reprobation can be defined by the posters.

"If only some people are predestined to be saved, then it logically must follow that other people are not. The doctrine of predestination to salvation is called the doctrine of election, and the doctrine of predestination to damnation is called the doctrine of reprobation."

And to repeat:

The doctrine of reprobation is as bogus as a three dollar bill. None of the verses cited support the idea.