The Existence Of Evil: Augustine And The Existence Of Evil

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The Existence of Evil
In the book Confessions Augustine seeks to find out why and how evil exist in the world and what role god plays in the existence of evil. Not entirely convinced that evil exist or is what Manicheaism provides an explanation for, being that god is incapable of preventing the existence of evil. Augustine investigates the existence of evil by looking at two aspects, being the nature of evil and free will, and with free will the ability to make decisions which cause man to sin. Both of these aspects are put to investigation by Augustine in providing a conclusion which re assures him that god is all knowing, all powerful, and all good and not responsible for evil and its existence. Concluding through his investigation that …show more content…

While initially god is not the cause of evil, nevertheless, due to his loving state the sins of man have already been paid for through the sacrifice of his son. While free will is the cause of sin by man and his imperfect state. However, as god is all loving and forgiving to those who do sin as he offers them chance of redemption. Through his personal experience Augustine realizes his path to finding god was his redemption from all the past sins he committed (pg.120). Additionally, due to god having prior and infinite knowledge of everything, his wisdom of the many things which exists have already created a way for man to walk in the path of god by accepting god their lives as they are initially a part of god themselves. With accepting god humanity is is forgiven of his or her sins and accepting god and the son of god allows the who have sinned a place in heaven and happiness from all elements in their lives which cause pain (p. …show more content…

A question remains pertaining to the natural evils of world and what their purpose or cause of existence are. The existence of natural evils such as diseases, hurricanes, and all other elements which bring pain or suffering, as it is interpreted by Augustine, are not elements of evil that exist solely to bring misery, but are things that are a part of the overall world and things which reinforce god and the word of god by praising him within their existence (p.125). This further examined in understanding what Augustine meant through his findings can be interpreted as him noting, that these elements which bring great disasters and sickness are things which exist as a byproduct for the sins of man because their sole existence is to praise the name and word of the

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