Arguments Against the Existence of God
The Argument from the Existence of Evil
- Logical Problem of Evil: Argues that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God.
- Evidential Problem of Evil: Suggests that the amount and nature of evil make God's existence unlikely.
Example
The Holocaust is often cited as an example of gratuitous evil that challenges the existence of a benevolent deity.
The Omnipotence Paradox
Definition
Omnipotence paradox
Questions whether an omnipotent being can perform logically impossible actions.
Example
Classic example: "Can God create a stone so heavy that even He cannot lift it?"
Note
The paradox highlights a potential contradiction in the concept of omnipotence itself.
The Argument from Inconsistent Revelations
- Core Idea: Different religions offer contradictory revelations about God.
- Implication: These inconsistencies suggest that no single revelation can be universally true.
Hint
When analyzing this argument, consider the historical and cultural contexts of different religious texts.
Philosophical Significance
- Challenge to Theism: These arguments force theists to reconcile their beliefs with logical and empirical evidence.
- Broader Implications: They raise questions about the nature of faith, reason, and the limits of human understanding.
Self review
- How do the logical and evidential problems of evil differ in their approach to challenging the existence of God?
- What are the implications of the omnipotence paradox for the concept of divine power?
- How might a theist respond to the argument from inconsistent revelations?
