The Problem of Evil (XXVII)

[LadyForCamus]

The Euthyphro dilemma absolutely still applies.  I've seen theists try this word game before.  Saying that "good" is intrinsic to the nature of God versus existing as a separate and independent property, is just a language gymnastic that in no way excuses him of the contradiction.

Attaching "good" to the definition of God's essence is convenient for the theist because it absolves him, and absolves God of the responsibility of defining what "good" actually means.  We are still left with the question of how such a moral determination of his character was reached in the first place.  How do we know that god's nature is "good"?  By what standards are we comparing god's essence in order to make such a judgement about his inherent morality?  Or, is God just circularly declaring that he is good because because he's God, and he is God because he is good?

So, as you can see, "God is inherently good" is just another vague, poorly defined, and essentially meaningless assertion in the end.  It doesn't get you out of Euthyphro's dilemma in the sense that you think; it only takes you safely away from it.  Without venturing to define what "good" actually means, you aren't even coming near the discussion.

That suffering that mortals need to go through to become good? God didn't need any of that crap, he's just good by nature. But it's really, really important that the beings he creates NOT be good by nature, because how can you really be good if you don't learn from suffering? Hmmm.

Yeah...I don't know about anyone else, but I don't buy into this whole, "you need suffering to appreciate happiness," crap. I live a very full life. I had a warm and rich childhood. I have a loving family, all of whom are still living and healthy. I have a lovely husband and son, a good education, comfortable living conditions, and good friends. I wholly enjoy and appreciate my life. I don't see how tragedy or irreversible loss of any kind could possibly add value to my living experience at this point. I don't need to suffer to love life.