Absolutes Quote by William Batchelder Greene
“God -- if he really exist -- is good, alive, self-conscious, and governs all things according to his benevolent and holy providence; but the world shows no indications of such a benevolent and holy Providence. This earth appears to be a hell, or at best a planet condemned -- a sort of purgatory: it is filled with violence, tyranny and injustice, and yet God, if he exist, is absolute sovereign, and has willed that things should be as they are! -- Therefore there is no God.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Problem of Evil, William Batchelder Greene, 1855
The author argues that the existence of pervasive suffering and injustice contradicts the notion of a benevolent, omnipotent deity, concluding that such a God cannot exist.
In simple terms: Suffering challenges belief in a kind, all-powerful God.
Key Takeaway
Question the compatibility of evil with divine goodness.
Themes
theology
philosophy
evil
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- war
- poverty
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
theodicy
skepticism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can evil exist without a deity?
- What alternative explanations exist for suffering?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes all suffering must be directly caused by God.
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