Single Idea 21274

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

Full Idea

As Augustine says, God would not allow any evil to exist in his works, unless he were to bring good even out of evil. It is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He allows evil to exist and out of it produces good.

Gist of Idea

It is part of God's supreme goodness that He brings good even out of evil

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], Ia,Q02,Art3,Ob1rep)

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.85


A Reaction

Are God's powers so limited that He could not have achieved an equal amount of good without having to indulge in some evil first?

Related Idea

Idea 21266 God does not exist, because He is infinite and good, and so no evil should be discoverable [Aquinas]