Single Idea 21266

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 3. Problem of Evil / a. Problem of Evil]

Full Idea

If one of two contraries be infinite, the other would be altogether destroyed. But the name God means that He is infinite goodness. If therefore God existed there would be no evil discoverable; but there is evil in the world. Therefore God does not exist.

Gist of Idea

God does not exist, because He is infinite and good, and so no evil should be discoverable

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], Ia,Q02,Art3,Ob1)

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.82


A Reaction

This is not, of course, the opinion of Aquinas. I love the way he states the opposition's arguments so lucidly. The modern problem usually talks of God's omnipotence, rather than infinity. His formulation allows that there might be undiscoverable evil.

Related Idea

Idea 21274 It is part of God's supreme goodness that He brings good even out of evil [Aquinas]