I am commenting not because I expect an answer but obviously if anyone wants to do so, fine. I am trying to clarify my thoughts.
Is everything in this world less than optimal from human standards? That is, is everything in this world deficient or a privation of something better? Does that make everything in this world "evil" because there could be something better, even if there is something we take for granted that maybe good for everyone? I am referring here to natural evil, which according to one definition is "any kind of harm or suffering that does not have an obvious human cause."
If the answer is true then are all these discussions of "evil" pointless? If everything in this world is evil, then what's the point of discussing "evil?"
Or maybe it might be better to discuss whether all these imperfections or deprivations have a purpose and look toward that as the central thing to be discussed. And that discussions of evil just get in the way of understanding what this world is about.
This leads us to the question, could God have created a more perfect world? If you believe in the Catholic/Christian God, the answer is no. He couldn't because it would contradict His nature to create an inferior one. So maybe we should focus on why this world is perfect from God's perspective and does not contain evil.
Or why this is "The Best of All Possible Worlds?”
I personally believe there is only one evil in our existence, that is the permanent separation of anyone from God.
My comments are restricted to natural evil and moral evil most definitely exists. But the main focus of discussions of evil relevant to God are on natural evil.
I am commenting not because I expect an answer but obviously if anyone wants to do so, fine. I am trying to clarify my thoughts.
Is everything in this world less than optimal from human standards? That is, is everything in this world deficient or a privation of something better? Does that make everything in this world "evil" because there could be something better, even if there is something we take for granted that maybe good for everyone? I am referring here to natural evil, which according to one definition is "any kind of harm or suffering that does not have an obvious human cause."
If the answer is true then are all these discussions of "evil" pointless? If everything in this world is evil, then what's the point of discussing "evil?"
Or maybe it might be better to discuss whether all these imperfections or deprivations have a purpose and look toward that as the central thing to be discussed. And that discussions of evil just get in the way of understanding what this world is about.
This leads us to the question, could God have created a more perfect world? If you believe in the Catholic/Christian God, the answer is no. He couldn't because it would contradict His nature to create an inferior one. So maybe we should focus on why this world is perfect from God's perspective and does not contain evil.
Or why this is "The Best of All Possible Worlds?”
I personally believe there is only one evil in our existence, that is the permanent separation of anyone from God.
My comments are restricted to natural evil and moral evil most definitely exists. But the main focus of discussions of evil relevant to God are on natural evil.