Ep 15. Why Would God Cause Natural Evil?

The Big Questions of Philosophy is a captivating and thought-provoking show that explores some of the biggest dilemmas facing humanity, from the nature of good and evil to the existence of God and the mysteries of consciousness. In season 1, episode 15, titled "Why Would God Cause Natural Evil?," the show tackles one of the most challenging questions posed by the problem of evil: if God is all-powerful and all-loving, why would He allow natural disasters, diseases, and other forms of natural evil to afflict innocent people?

The episode begins with a fascinating overview of the history of the problem of evil and the various responses to it by philosophers and theologians throughout the ages. We learn about the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, who formulated the classic problem of evil argument: if God is willing to prevent evil, but not able, then He is not omnipotent; if He is able, but not willing, then He must be malevolent; and if He is both able and willing, then why is there evil in the world? We also hear about the responses of Augustine and Aquinas, who argued that evil is a necessary consequence of free will and that natural evils are a result of the fall of humanity from grace.

From there, the show dives into a detailed exploration of the problem of natural evil, which is distinct from moral evil in that it is caused by natural events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, famines, and diseases. The host interviews several experts in the field, including philosophers and theologians, who offer a range of perspectives on why God would allow such events to occur. Some argue that natural evils are simply a consequence of the laws of nature and that God could not interfere without violating His own laws. Others suggest that natural evils might be necessary for the greater good, such as building resilience and character, promoting solidarity and compassion, or providing opportunities for growth and learning.

As the episode progresses, we get to hear from a variety of voices, including secular and religious thinkers, scientists and philosophers. Some of them argue that natural evils are simply random events that have no deeper meaning or purpose, while others suggest that God might use them as a way of communicating with humanity or testing our faith. We also learn about the concept of theodicy, which is the study of how to reconcile the existence of God and the reality of evil, and the various ways in which different religious traditions have tried to address this problem.

Ultimately, the show leaves it up to the viewer to decide for themselves whether there is a satisfactory answer to the question of why God would cause natural evil. The episode presents a range of fascinating and thought-provoking perspectives on the issue, and it challenges us to consider our own beliefs and values in the face of what is arguably one of the most difficult dilemmas in philosophy and theology. Overall, "Why Would God Cause Natural Evil?" is a compelling and insightful episode of The Big Questions of Philosophy that is sure to spark lively debate and reflection.