Christian theology approaches and themes

Section A Thesis

The claim that evil is the privation of good is best understood first as a claim about what evil is, and only then as a claim about how theology should speak of God in a world of suffering. On this view, evil is not a substance, a thing, or an independent power. It is a lack, corruption or disordering of what is good. That is a powerful theological claim because it protects the goodness of God and avoids turning evil into God’s rival. At the same time, it needs careful evaluation, because it can sound abstract or even unhelpful if it is used as a complete response to real suffering.

In Summa Theologiae I, q.48,

the name evil “signifies an absence of the good”. He also insists that evil is not a “pure negation”.

Genesis 1:31

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good

Aquinas on the subject of evil

the subject of evil is what is good, evil cannot totally consume the good

Romans 7:19 paul on moral evil

the evil I do not want to do

Julian of Norwich on her view of suffering

we see “evil deeds” and “great harm” she also says our reason is now “blind” and cannot yet grasp fully the wisdom and goodness of God, so that one day “all manner of things shall be well”.

Calvin on Satan

Satan can do nothing unless God “wills and assents” to it; Satan is “under God’s power” and even “compelled to render him service”.

Gutiérrez on Job

he rejects a utilitarian religion of reward and punishment, and says true faith believes “for nothing”, “without payment”