In the Christian religion, though perhaps not in any…
““In the Christian religion, though perhaps not in any other, we frequently find a conception of god that is selfcontradictory and therefore corresponds to nothing. That is the conception formed by the following three propositions taken together: 1. God is all-powerful. 2. God is all-benevolent. 3. There is much misery in the world. A god who was all-powerful but left much misery in the world would not be all-benevolent. An all-benevolent god in a world containing much misery would not be an all-powerful god. A world containing a god who was both all-powerful and all-benevolent would contain no misery. Here, then, we have a mathematical proof bearing on a common religious doctrine. Anyone who is confident that he frequently comes across misery in the world may conclude with equal confidence that there is no such thing as an all-powerful and all-benevolent god. And this mathematically disposes of official Christianity, as has long been known.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The coexistence of omnipotence, omnibenevolence, and pervasive evil is logically contradictory, challenging traditional theistic belief.
In simple terms: All-powerful, all-good god cannot coexist with extensive suffering.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate assumptions about divine nature.
Themes
philosophy
theology
problem of evil
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
Atheism:1
Atheist-argument:1
Christian religion:0
Contradiction:1
Philosophy:1
Philosophy-of-atheism:1
Problem of evil:1
Proof:1
Religion:0
Self-contradictory:1
World God:0
Benevolent God:0
Conception God:0
God Benevolent:0
God Mathematically:0
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
logic
faith
morality
human suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- Does this argument affect your belief?
- How do you reconcile suffering with faith?
A Different Perspective
Some find faith compatible with evil through free will.