Augustinian theodicy

Cards (10)

  • What is a quote to show that God did not make evil?
    “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” - Genesis 1:13
  • What is the term for an absence of good?
    Privatio boni
  • What does Augustine argue?
    Evil comes into the world through the fall of the angles and Adam and Eve eating the fruit in the Garden of Eden
  • Why did the angels fall?
    Misusing free will, they were all made perfect but some had less grace than others
  • What was cast into the world when Eve at the fruit?
    Original sin
  • What does McCabe say?
    Evil as a privation of good makes sense, as good can just fall short of our expectations
  • What does Aquinas say about natural evil?
    It may be perceived as evil when it is not actually (eg a cat eating a mouse)
  • What are some strengths of Augustines view?
    • Doesn’t suggest God tolerates a world with evil in it
    • Fits with our experiences
  • What does Schliermacher say about the angels?
    Angels shouldn’t sin unless they were created imperfectly, either God created evil (not benevolent) or it came out of nowhere (not omniscient or omnipotent)
  • What are some weaknesses of Augustine’s approach?
    • Why would some angels have less grace? If God was omniscient, did he know they would fall and create evil? Same applies to Adam and Eve
    • Doesn’t align with the Bible (angels)
    • Adam and Eve requires a literal interpretation of the Bible
    • Why should we be punished for Adam and Eves actions?