Epicurean Paradox

[Mister Agenda]

So to recap we look to the bible for the definition of evil because it is in the context (Judgment of the God of the bible) that we use it. We use modern dictionaries to further break down the definition to clarify the biblical definition so people like you can not rely on the loop holes you think you have found in the biblical account.

The Paradox speaks to any tri-omni version of God. It's generic. It's not about your God in particular, so no fair re-writing the terms to suit your specific religion. Besides, you've already evaded the Paradox by conceding that your particular version of God values free will over beneficence. The Paradox is only a problem for people who believe all three attributes are absolute, and you don't. Yet something compels you to continue to argue against the Epicurean Paradox despite its inapplicability to the God you believe in.

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Appearently you do not even understand the core Epicurean Arguement. It was not to the Hebrew God (as he would have known Him) Epicurs directed his efforts (In 300 BC) to the prominate gods of Rome.

In short Epicurus did not understand the biblical concept of evil either. His idea was based on the Greek understanding of the word which is far different than your modern wester defination of the word.
ponēros
Pronunciation

po-nā-ro's (Key)


Part of Speech
adjective

Root Word (Etymology)

From a derivative of πόνος (G4192)

TDNT Reference
6:546,912
Vines
View Entry
1) full of labours, annoyances, hardships

a) pressed and harassed by labours

b) bringing toils, annoyances, perils;causing pain and trouble

2) bad, of a bad nature or condition

a) in a physical sense: diseased or blind

In short Epericus is asking why is life hard. You are asking why do bad things happen to what you think are basically good people. For epicurus this was not a question, for he knew why bad things happened. He wanted to know why after so much sacerfice and giving to the gods of his day wasn't life easy and full of pleasure, as it was promised.

It took sixteen pages but glad you finally get that Epicurus wasn't using your biblical definition of evil.