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Difficulty Quote by Samuel Clarke

“(The difficulty over the question of eternal torments lies in) how it is irreconcilable with the Goodness of God, to put any Persons at all upon a necessity of making such an Option, wherein if they choose amiss, the Misery they incur must be irrevocable.” quote by Samuel Clarke
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“(The difficulty over the question of eternal torments lies in) how it is irreconcilable with the Goodness of God, to put any Persons at all upon a necessity of making such an Option, wherein if they choose amiss, the Misery they incur must be irrevocable.”

Samuel Clarke

About This Quote

Source Philosophical Treatise: “The Freedom of the Will” (1694)

The problem of evil questions how a good God could allow eternal torment, highlighting moral responsibility and divine justice.

In simple terms: Eternal torment challenges divine goodness.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on moral choice and divine nature.

Themes

theodicy philosophy eternity

Mood

argumentative theological

Type

Difficulty:1 Eternal:1 Goodness:1 Goodness of god:1 Hell:1 Ifs:0 Irrevocable:1 Lying:0 Misery:1 Persons:1 Suffering:1 Torment:1 Eternal Torments:1 Irreconcilable Goodness:1 Irreconcilable:1 Lies Irreconcilable:0 Incur Irrevocable:0

When to use this quote

  • Human free will may conflict with divine omnipotence.

Key Concepts

religion ethics theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • thoughtful
  • serious
A Different Perspective

Is eternal punishment just?;How does free will relate to suffering?

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