Would God opt to allow the evil, pain, and suffering that we see?

  • About the question

    If God existed, would He in his stipulated goodness choose to ensure that there is less suffering in the world than what we see throughout history?

    Debates this question affects:

“Yes, after all…
“No, after all…
  • The world would be better

    The world would be better in the absence of at least some of the sufferings we see occuring. This is relevant because, if and all-good God existed, then that God would opt for making the world better when possible.

    By way of response, however, couldn't it simply be that there is no best world, so God would not opt for one.1

    1. For example, it seems like God could always add one more happy baby to the world, and thereby make it better.
  • It's more loving/humane (even if not better)

    Choosing to prevent some sufferings that we see would be more humane/loving of God (even if it makes the world worse). This is relevant because God has a duty to treat his creation humanely.

    By way of response, however, couldn't it simply be that God has no duties?[Forthcoming]