Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Do theodicies explain why God allows evil in the world?
Position4 of 5

No, a good God would not allow evil

This position holds that theodicies fail because a truly good God would not allow evil. It argues the coexistence of God and evil can only be explained by another potent spiritual force—a Satan—that creates evil, or else by concluding that God is not wholly benevolent after all.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Evil proves the existence of Satan as a nemesis to an omnibenevolent God
    God is all-good and would not create evil. Nevertheless, evil exists in the world. This points towards the presence of another divine being with the power to create and promote evil on earth. This separation of good and evil is the foundation of people's belief in God and religion.
  2. God is not benevolent
    It is presumed that a good and well-meaning God would not allow the existence of evil. Evil exists in the world, therefore God is not benevolent.