What is the evidential problem of evil?

The evidential problem of evil is a philosophical argument that challenges the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good God by examining the existence of evil and suffering in the world. It argues that the existence of gratuitous or unnecessary suffering provides evidence against the existence of such a God.

The argument can be summarized as follows:

1. If an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good God exists, then there would be no gratuitous or unnecessary suffering in the world.
2. There is gratuitous or unnecessary suffering in the world.
3. Therefore, an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good God does not exist.

The evidential problem of evil does not claim that the existence of evil and suffering logically disproves the existence of God, but rather suggests that the existence of such suffering makes the existence of a perfectly good God highly unlikely.

Proponents of the evidential problem of evil argue that the amount and nature of suffering in the world, such as natural disasters, diseases, and human cruelty, cannot be justified by any greater good or outweighed by the existence of free will. They contend that if a loving and powerful God existed, he would prevent or minimize unnecessary suffering.

Critics of the evidential problem of evil propose various responses, such as the free will defense, which argues that human free will is necessary for moral responsibility and that evil is a consequence of this freedom. They also suggest that God may have reasons beyond human comprehension for allowing suffering, such as soul-building or the greater good of the universe.

In conclusion, the evidential problem of evil challenges the existence of a perfectly good God by presenting the existence of gratuitous or unnecessary suffering as evidence against such a deity. It is an ongoing debate in philosophy and theology, with various arguments and counterarguments being put forth to address this complex issue.