The Goodness of God and the Evil in Our World: Aquinas on the Problem of Evil | Prof. Gloria Frost
Apr 21, 2024
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Prof. Gloria Frost discusses Aquinas' views on evil, God's role, diverse creatures representing goodness, Adam and Eve's impact, suffering leading to virtues, God creating beings with varying perfection, and natural disasters as striving towards perfection.
The existence of evil challenges the notion of a benevolent God in a world filled with suffering.
Evil, according to Aquinas, is not a positive force but a deprivation of good, stemming from misalignment.
God's providence offers inner consolation to those facing afflictions, guiding them towards understanding and endurance.
Deep dives
Nature of Suffering in the World and its Relation to the Existence of God
The inevitability of pain and suffering in the world, ranging from personal struggles to global catastrophes, serves as a focal point in questioning the existence of God. The argument posits that if God is omnipotent, omniscient, and wholly good, then evil should not exist. The theological concept of the problem of evil challenges the notion of a benevolent deity in a world filled with suffering.
Aquinas' View on Evil as a Lack of Goodness
Aquinas delves into the essence of evil, depicting it not as a positive force but as a deprivation of good. Drawing parallels between perceived evil acts and natural deficiencies like blindness or sickness, he argues that evil stems from the absence of proper order or goodness. By dissecting sinful actions, Aquinas asserts that evil resides in the misalignment of inherently good components, rather than an addition of malevolence.
Aquinas' Perspective on God's Providence and Human Suffering
In the face of human suffering and tragedies, Aquinas emphasizes that God's providence does not entail a passive stance. He asserts that God offers inner consolation to those enduring afflictions, providing support and strength. Aquinas rejects the notion of arbitrary suffering, suggesting that God's presence and solace are bestowed upon those facing adversities, guiding them towards understanding and endurance.
Aquinas' Interpretation of Good and Better Worlds
Aquinas evaluates the concept of better or worse worlds based on their alignment with God's goodness and the diversity of creatures within them. The assessment of a world's goodness is rooted in its reflection of divine perfection and the intricate network of creatures reflecting their inherent natures. The optimal world is characterized by a harmonious interplay of diverse beings, manifesting God's goodness through their collective and individual perfections.
Aquinas' Notion of Telos in the Existence of Non-Human Creatures
Aquinas elucidates the dual telos of non-human creatures, attributing individual intrinsic purposes to each species while also recognizing their role in leading humans to God. By fulfilling their natural telos and serving as pathways to divine contemplation, non-human creatures enhance their essence by guiding humans towards a deeper understanding and reverence for the divine, encompassing both their inherent identity and spiritual significance.
