Evil, suffering, and salvation. The existential message of naturalism and theism. Cover Image

Übel, Leid und Erlösung. Die existentielle Botschaft von Naturalismus und Theismus
Evil, suffering, and salvation. The existential message of naturalism and theism.

Author(s): Krystian Kałuża
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion
Published by: Uniwersytet Opolski
Keywords: naturalism; theism; God; evil; suffering; salvation; theodicy; Jesus Christ;

Summary/Abstract: Naturalism is currently the greatest challenge for theism. As a metaphysical thesis it proclaims that everything that happens in the world can be explained by natural causes (the laws of nature) and ghosts, God, gods, or other supernatural powers or forces do not exist. Consequently, naturalism identifies with materialism and atheism. In the article a question about existential consequences of naturalist and theist worldviews was raised. From the methodological point of view it was decided to use the weaknesses of naturalism in favour of theism. The issue of evil and suffering was made a moot point. The analysis of both attitudes led to the conclusion that naturalism is bad news for humanity. If God does not exist, there is no final justice, reconciliation, redemption, or salvation. Death is the end of everything. Defeated by life, victims of evil and violence will remain defeated forever.

  • Issue Year: 38/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 79-100
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: German