[Chaturamnaya] The Problem of Evil - 1 (Statement of the Problem)

[S Jayanarayanan]

There is a well-known problem in religious studies called the "Problem of Evil" that goes something like this:
 
 
  GOD is defined as a being that is OMNISCIENT, OMNIPOTENT and GOOD.
 
 
  Given: Evil exists in the world.
 
 
  GOD being omniscient must know that evil exists in the world.
 
  Question: Can GOD eliminate evil from the world or not?
 
 
  If GOD can eliminate evil from the world, but does not: then GOD is NOT GOOD.
 
  If GOD cannot eliminate evil from the world: then GOD is NOT OMNIPOTENT.
 
 
  Therefore, there is no GOD.
 
 
  Q.E.D.