Question of the Week #916: Demons and Natural Evil
Dec 5, 2024
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Explore the intriguing connection between demons and natural evil, delving into the fall of angels as a possible explanation for suffering. The discussion draws on theological insights, particularly from a UK Anglican priest. It examines the relationship between moral and natural evils, challenging the idea of attributing natural disasters to demonic forces. This thought-provoking conversation raises questions about divine sovereignty and the nature of evil.
The rebellion of angels, resulting in natural evil, highlights the distinction between divine intention and the consequences of free will.
While demonic influence is speculated, many natural phenomena are attributed to the inherent laws of the universe, emphasizing a non-supernatural origin.
Deep dives
The Fall of Angels Hypothesis
The concept of the fall of angels suggests that before creation, a rebellion occurred among angels that led to a distortion of God's original intentions for the universe. This rebellion, attributed to free will entities in the spiritual realm, is posited to introduce various forms of natural evil, including chaos, suffering, and death, into the material creation. Acknowledging this hypothesis offers a theological perspective that positions God as not responsible for the suffering experienced in the world. It emphasizes that human involvement often exacerbates these conditions rather than alleviating them.
Natural Evil vs. Demonic Influence
While the fall of angels hypothesis addresses the origins of natural evil, it lacks comprehensive attribution of specific natural phenomena, like earthquakes or predation, to demonic influence. Many argue that these events are intrinsic to the functioning of a good world operating under natural laws rather than the result of a rebellious spiritual force. Notably, the second law of thermodynamics, which speaks to the natural increase of entropy, underscores the idea that such processes cannot be traced back to demonic causes. Ultimately, the conversation around demonic influence is framed as speculative, emphasizing that while suffering exists, the reasons behind it often remain unknown, and human resilience is encouraged in the face of adversity.
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Understanding Natural Evil Through the Fall of Angels Hypothesis