Concluding the free will theodicy, I will delicately move to the greater good principle or defense. I say “delicately” because this defense may not help a questioner much if they have been a victim of a seemingly very unwarranted evil, and/or if they are still carrying anger or bitterness. The principle supports certain evils are needed in the world for certain greater goods to happen. To put it another way, certain evils in this world are called for, as greater goods stem after them. For instance, nobody would believe a doctor who cuts out a cancerous tumor is evil since he made an incision on the patient. The surgery laceration is much less evil than letting the tumor develop. The greater good is the reestablished wellbeing of the patient. Parents who penalize poor conduct with the loss of toys or privileges are instigating pain (particularly from the kid’s viewpoint), although the other choice is the kid will develop into a grownup with no discipline and would face much more suffering. We do not understand in this world all the goods God is preparing; therefore, it is essential to have faith in the enigmatic goodness of God. Plus, nearly all individuals will award some fact to the saying ascribed to Nietzsche: “Whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” Consequently, the principle of allowing pain for the good sense of bringing about greater contentment is legitimate and one we know and use ourselves. That implies there is no mandatory contradiction between God and the reality of evil and suffering.
Taking a Deeper Look at the Problem of Evil: The Greater Good Principle
