(October 30, 2015 at 4:09 pm)Redbeard The Pink Wrote:
Just to note, your reply here, doesn't really have to do with mine that was cited, as they are different topics. My comment was on the question of if knowledge precludes free will. I do not believe that it does. I normally resist a change in topic, until one issue has been discussed, but this is at least the second time with me, that you have diverted to this topic, so I would like to address it.
One thing, that I think is often overlooked when making such comparisons, is position. This is not meant to be a free pass, but only to point out, that when making comparisons, that if any person did this, it would be wrong, are some what inaccurate. For instance, I am not free to detain someone in the same way that a judge or an officer of the law are able. Similarly a government can decide that any suffering incurred in war is for the greater good, however similar circumstances for an individual claiming the greater good as reason are not acceptable.
This article http://www.str.org/articles/augustine-on...jZv9zZdESk describes a number of objections, to the question if a good all knowing God, could allow evil. It discusses that evil is not a thing, but a lack of good. Similar to darkness being a lack of light. It also discusses a number of virtues, which would not be present, if evil was not possible. Similarly it encompasses a larger view of the overall picture where allowing evil or suffering may be a greater good, even if in the specific we cannot see it or understand it. That the struggle produces a character which cannot be achieved if there was no choice or free will. That temporary suffering is allowed in regards to a greater eternal good.
As said before, this is a difficult subject, especially if we or a loved one is suffering at the moment. Understanding is not going to help at this time, and I think that scripture teaches us that this is not a time to provide reason, but for compassion, and to grieve with the person. I think that there are a few issues with your robot analogy. One robots do not have free will, and it is unclear whether humans could even create a morally responsible robot. Second is position and knowledge. We do not have the authority or the knowledge to make such a call; even if it is believed, that a greater good could come from it overall.
It is not an easy topic, and I don't expect those who do not know God, or are seeking opportunity to present a negative view of God to be convinced. That is to say, that the result of this philosophy is going to be largely dependent on your previous view of God. I do think that it however shows that a reasonable defense can be made in regards to the problem of evil, and the presence of suffering does not necessarily negate God's omnipotence, omniscience, or his benevolence. From the article "God made a world in which true moral decision-making and development of virtues is possible in humans, manifest by persons whose character is formed through growth and struggle."
