The Advantages that Traditional Theists Enjoy

Abstract

Abstract Once it is shown that the problem of systemic evil poses a challenge for most non-theists as well as most traditional theists, the following question arises: between traditional theists and non-theists, which is more likely to succeed in overcoming the challenge? This chapter argues that traditional theists enjoy a relative advantage over non-theists because they have supernaturalist resources they can tap to respond to the challenge. This finding is important because the problem of evil is commonly regarded as a sufficient reason to reject traditional theism and accept non-theism. If the argument in this chapter is sound, the situation is almost the other way around: if one seeks a successful response to the problem of systemic evil, it is better to be a traditional theist than a non-theist. This chapter purports to strengthen this reasoning by addressing several objections, including those raised and discussed by Guy Kahane and Francis Jonbäck.