Is existence inherently good?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MartinLittleton1
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

MartinLittleton1

Guest
This idea has been mooted to me before and it’s a question which I can’t quite formulate a rational answer for.

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
I think the question that I am really trying to answer is: Is existing in a state of torment or suffering better than not existing at all?
 
From a biblical perspective, no. Existing in eternal torment isn’t necessarily better than not existing. “But woe to that man (Judas) who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24) the only reason Jesus would say this is if Judas is in a state of torment. He is basically saying that it is better he did not exist.

From simply a theistic perspective, I don’t think you can argue what is better or worse without a real understanding of God (goodness).
 
Existence in general: Genesis–“God created x, y, and z, and it was good.”

Torment? That is a choice made by man’s free will.
 
God is perfect infinite existence. So not only is existence good, it is love, justice, mercy, truth, etc. Evil is a deprivation within something that exists. Perfect evil would be perfect deprivation, and therefore complete non-existence. So an evil God cannot exist.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top