Abolish Quote by Epicurus
“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can and does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If, as they say, God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Dialogue: The Problem of Evil, attributed to Epicurus, ancient Greek philosophy
If God can eliminate evil but chooses not to, or cannot, then either God is powerless or morally flawed, challenging the notion of an all‑powerful, benevolent deity.
In simple terms: God's power vs. willingness to end evil.
Key Takeaway
Question divine nature and morality.
Themes
theodicy
philosophy
theism
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- ethical reasoning
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
free will
moral evil
divine omnipotence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this imply about moral responsibility?
- Can evil exist without divine intervention?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a monotheistic framework; other traditions differ.
