Mon, 07 Jun 2004

The Riddle of Epicurus

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?

I had a long and interesting conversation last evening with an old friend, touching upon several interesting subjects. One of which was classical philosophy - and it struck me that this particular bit of philosophy has no real bearing in a polythiestic faith: we'll take the first out, and gladly admit that our gods (plural) are not omnipotent. But I can see where a monotheistic faith could rapidly reach the poof point with this riddle...

/Asatru | 0 writebacks | permanent link

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