Soul-making or Irenaean theodicy Problem of evil

the soul-making or irenaean theodicy named after 2nd century french theologian irenaeus, ideas adopted in eastern christianity. has been discussed john hick, , irenaean theodicy asserts evil , suffering necessary spiritual growth, man discover soul, , god allows evil spiritual growth of human beings.

the irenaean theodicy has been challenged assertion many evils not seem promote spiritual growth, , can positively destructive of human spirit. hick acknowledges process fails in our world. second issue concerns distribution of evils suffered: true god permitted evil in order facilitate spiritual growth, expect evil disproportionately befall in poor spiritual health. not seem case, decadent enjoy lives of luxury insulate them evil, whereas many of pious poor, , acquainted worldly evils. thirdly, states kane, human character can developed directly or in constructive , nurturing loving ways, , unclear why god consider or allow evil , suffering necessary or preferred way spiritual growth. further, horrendous suffering leads dehumanization, victims in truth not grow spiritually become vindictive , spiritually worse.

this reconciliation of problem of evil , god, states creegan, fails explain need or rationale evil inflicted on animals , resultant animal suffering, because there no evidence @ suffering improves character of animals, or evidence of soul-making in them .

on more fundamental level, soul-making theodicy assumes virtues developed through suffering intrinsically, opposed instrumentally, good. virtues identified soul-making appear valuable in world evil , suffering exist. willingness sacrifice oneself in order save others persecution, example, virtuous precisely because persecution exists. likewise, value willingness donate 1 s meal starving because starvation exists. if persecution , starvation did not occur, there no reason consider these acts virtuous. if virtues developed through soul-making valuable suffering exists, not clear lose if suffering did not exist.