The Problem of Evil (Aquinas 101)

“If God is, why is there evil? But if God is not, why is there good?” -St. Augustine

We can be sure that God only permits evil for the sake of some much better and higher good, including not only our individual good, but the good of the whole creation. Aquinas cites several of these higher goods in response to the problem of evil, not the least of which being God’s permittance of sin so that he can manifest His goodness in an even greater way as our savior. This is a beautiful and high truth that reaches its pinnacle in the cross. There God Himself takes the whole weight of our sins upon His human shoulders and bears them through terrible suffering, even unto death. He does this precisely so that his redeeming mercy and love for us sinners would shine out more clearly.

The Problem of Evil (Aquinas 101) - Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.

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Aquinas 101 is a project of the Thomistic Institute that seeks to promote Catholic truth through short, engaging video lessons. You can browse earlier videos at your own pace or enroll in one of our Aquinas 101 email courses on St. Thomas Aquinas and his masterwork, the Summa Theologiae. In these courses, you'll learn from expert scientists, philosophers, and theologians—including Dominican friars from the Province of St. Joseph.

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[williamswenson]

I literally said "wow" and had to walk away from my desk when Fr. Dominic dropped the line about the incomplete circle being an essential part of a greater good to bring us to understand the problem of evil. It literally blew my mind...it was an "aha" moment for me...how a simple illustration could convey such a complex idea so profoundly. Thanks, I'll be sharing this with some friends. :)

[tombrennan]

On this feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, I thank and pray for the priests of The Thomistic Institute. Your work has certainly helped me think about and experience my faith on a deeper, richer level. At the same time, I'm humble enough to know that as St. Thomas learned, this is all like straw compared to what it would be like to witness God in His fullness.

[whoami]

The first minute was absolutely unforgettable. I will never forget how smooth and how actually good that answer to the problem of evil is. Wow.

[xyckriz]

He is a Priest-Lawyer (Yale Law School). Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[davidrasch]

The best way to gauge how much I have learned is to try to explain it to my seven year-old grandson....

[clementbretanno]

Thank you Father Dominic. God bless you and your ministry...

[margitrujillo]

Thanks for stimulating my thinking with new paradigms for the Trinity!

[nancymiller]

I'm so happy I found these videos.

[SkiesToInfinity]

I love these videos -- very interesting and useful. Thank you!

[mariao]

What a great illustration! I'm a carrot! :-) Seriously, you do a wonderful job of explaining the types of evil in the world and our role in them.

[kristindreko]

Thank you for this video!
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!

[markmyword]

“But then, what about the children?” [asked Ivan Karamazov ] “How will we ever account for their sufferings? For the hundredth time I repeat, there are many questions that could be asked, but I ask you only one–about the children–because I believe it conveys fully and clearly what I am trying to tell you. Listen, even if we assume that every person must suffer because his suffering is necessary to pay for eternal harmony, do still tell me, for God’s sake, where the children come in. I can understand the concept of solidarity in sin and also solidarity in retribution. But how can there be solidarity in sin with small children?”
Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

[KRsh-kppl]

that analogy of the circle in the beginning was genius

[apologiaromana]

As a roughly evangelical protestant, I enjoyed this.

[HumanbeingonfloatingEarth]

U guys do a great job tackling real issues in a clear way. Really enjoy your work. Many thanks.

[yousufnazir]

Best explanation of the biblical theology and philosophy of science and religion in the form of simple way to the material world

[luciasamaras]

Our Loving Father has designed a world in which we can grow spiritually - grow toward him. He desires that our loyalty and devotion be voluntary and wholehearted. Therefore, he allows us to choose. Thanks to you and St. Thomas for sharing these philosophical insights.

[armandolugo]

The cirlce is a great illustration of what we must do to complete the circle.

[maryjohnstone]

Thanks For.fr a great, informative video, clearly explained.Its quite a topic, to cover, almost hard to really understand.G B U.

[displaychicken]

I’m loving these videos. You might even say I’m developing a “Habitus”.