Abstract
James Sterba’s book, Is a Good God Logically Possible?, argues that given the amount of significant and horrendous evil in the world, it is not possible for a (morally) good God to exist. This article draws on the work of Brian Davies’ interpretation of Thomistic metaphysics and theology proper and argues that God is not a moral being, and thus has no obligations to prevent such evil. If such is the case, then the problem of evil as presented by Sterba is not a problem for God’s existence.
Highlights
How on earth could a theist agree with an atheist in saying that a good God does not exist? In his book, Is a Good God Logically Possible?, Sterba makes the argument that given the amount of horrendous evil in the world, there is no justification, even in principle, for an all-good God allowing it
“Premise (3),” he says, “is challenged by the countless examples that modern science provides of the emergence of greater physical complexity or higher forms of life from simpler beginnings.”48 Sterba maintains that even if premise (3) were made weaker, it would be difficult to arrive at anything other than: (4’) “God, like the living things he causes seeks his own good.”49 Another problem arises for Sterba
Sterba’s work offers interesting argumentation and is a work that philosophers of religion will have to grapple with regarding the issue of God and evil
Summary
James Sterba argues that a good God is not logically possible.. How on earth could a theist agree with an atheist in saying that a good God does not exist? Is a Good God Logically Possible?, Sterba makes the argument that given the amount of horrendous evil in the world, there is no justification, even in principle, for an all-good God allowing it.. While many if not most philosophers today favor a more inductive argument in the vein of William Rowe, Sterba uses a logical, deductive approach to argue against any possibility of God’s existence.. The author will provide a Thomistic view of what divine perfection, goodness, and moral virtues mean regarding God’s essence. The author will examine Sterba’s objections to this position and offer an evaluation
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