by Author Name Withheld 161

Created on: April 15, 2009

One of the most highly debated concepts of human existence is in regard to the idea of evil and that it surrounds us in every aspect of our natural world. Over time, many explanations have been sought to satisfy the inquiries made as to why evil exists; as such, it can be observed that evil, while emotionally difficult to deal with, is a significant problem in western theology, more so than in eastern philosophies.

Evil is a shared universal experience. Different philosophies provide different accounts as to where evil comes from and why it exists. In the broad sense, it is attempted to be explained by human nature and society. In the narrow sense, the nature and existence of God becomes part of a theological explanation of evil.

In western theology, the narrow sense of the argument as to why evil exists primarily comes down to the nature of God. For those that believe that God is truly omnipotent and wholly good, in order to not create a contradiction in His character, an active and gracious God must have reasons to morally explain the existence of such evils. For example, allowance of evil may be for a greater good. However, the various solutions determined in theodicy all have their criticisms, as observed by J.L. Mackie; nearly every solution made in theodicy in an attempt to explain evil, simultaneously sets limits the the nature of God as depicted in western theology.

In Indian philosophy, evil does not pertain to God, but rather, to a broad sense of moral justice. Whether or not God plays an active or inactive role, or simply does not exist, is secondary to the laws of Karma as a universal truth. As described in such eastern philosophies that take karma into account: "What goes around, comes around," in this life or the next.

Still, it can be difficult to apply the Indian karmic system as a way to resolve the theistic problem of evil for at least three reasons: the law of Karma in regard to God's omnipotence; whether evil is morally accountable to God or to human beings; and, how God can maintain his perfection in relation to the existence of evil.

In all instances, the consequence of applying the law of Karma in order to resolve the theistic problem of evil results in the breakdown of the divine grace of the western God. While He may still be omniscient, God can no longer be the actively compassionate Divine Being towards human beings if he must adhere to the universal truth of Karma.

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