Single Idea 1474

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

Full Idea

Moral evil may be acceptable to a benevolent God because it is the only way to allow genuine free will, which may have a supreme value in creation (even if we are unsure what it is).

Gist of Idea

Moral evil may be acceptable to God because it allows free will (even though we don't see why this is necessary)

Source

report of Alvin Plantinga (Free Will Defence [1965], Pref.) by PG - Db (ideas)

Book Reference

'The Philosophy of Religion', ed/tr. Mitchell,Basil [OUP 1971], p.106