Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Dr. Retard · 02-11-2003, 12:11 PM

Probably most of you are familiar with the 'skeptical theist' or 'unknown purposes' response to the argument from evil. Sure, we can't figure out why God allows evil, but that doesn't mean anything -- God might have his reasons, with us too stupid to figure them out.

You're perhaps also familiar with an objection to this response: it undermines natural theology. After all, if we can't figure out God's reasons for things, then we have no reason to expect him to create order, or function, or life, or whatever.

What's interesting is that this tension has been lying dormant in two classic texts: The Bible and Hume's "Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion".

Quote:

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof.... Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. -- God to Job, KJV Job 38:4-6,16-18

Quote:

Have you ever seen nature in any such situation as resembles the first arrangement of the elements? Have worlds ever been formed under your eye; and have you had leisure to observe the whole progress of the phenomenon, from the first appearance of order to its final consummation? If you have, then cite your experience, and deliver your theory. -- Philo to Cleanthes, DNR Part II

Nothing philosophically interesting, but it's nice to see the parallel.

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