1. The Problem of Evil An argument which suggests God does not exist The basic problem – God is said to be ... All powerful and morally perfect But there is evil in the world Suggests he lacks at least one essential attribute, so he doesn’t exist

2. Types of evil • There are naturally occurring events such as floods, disease etc – NATURAL EVIL • There are also acts committed by humans another – MORAL EVIL • Are the two types of evil related? • Some argue that natural evil is a consequence of the Fall – so moral evil caused natural evil – not a popular modern view • Natural evil the more difficult challenge – humans may be responsible for moral evil, but earthquakes?!

3. Types of Argument • The problem of evil has two versions • The ‘logical problem’ – the existence of evil means that it is irrational to believe God exists • The meaning of ‘God’ implies that he could not allow evil to exist • Given that evil exists, believing in God is liking believing there are four-sided triangles • The ‘evidential problem’ – evil is overwhelming evidence that God doesn’t exist • Not irrational to believe he exists, but one should recognise his existence is extremely