the problem of evil

three forms of the problem

the logical problem, the evidential problem, the existential or pastoral problem

the logical problem

the classical Christian claims that God is omniscient, omnipotent and perfectly good can be logically consistent with the reality of evil (what perfect goodness must prevent)

the evidential problem

God and evil might be logically compatible but asks whether the kind, amount, duration and distribution of non-human animals place particular pressure on this form of the argument

the existential or pastoral problem

the question of trust within suffering, an argument might rebut a logical inference without answering the cry “Where is God?” or telling a bereaved person how to live, pray or protest