PHIL1402 - 01 Introduction to Philosophy-Written Assignment Week 3

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University of the People PHIL1402 - 01: Introduction to Philosophy Instructor Luis Teixera Written Assignment – Unit 3 September 26, 2023

Introduction The concepts of monotheism and polytheism have long been fundamental in shaping human beliefs and cultures. These belief systems offer distinct perspectives on the nature of divinity, the number of deities, and the relationship between humans and the divine. Additionally, the "Problem of Evil" raises profound philosophical questions about the compatibility of an all- good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God with the existence of suffering and evil in the world. Furthermore, the philosophy of Humanism, exemplified by thinkers like Thomas Paine, challenges traditional religious beliefs while promoting reason, ethics, and the pursuit of human potential. In this discussion, we will explore the key differences between monotheism and polytheism, consider arguments related to the Problem of Evil, and examine the compatibility of Humanism with religious beliefs. Key Differences Between Monotheism and Polytheism Monotheism and polytheism represent contrasting approaches to understanding divinity and spirituality. In monotheism, there exists a belief in a singular, all-powerful, and all-knowing God who serves as the ultimate source of creation and morality (Nash, 2014). This monotheistic God is often characterized by benevolence and moral perfection, serving as a personal deity with whom individuals can establish a direct relationship. On the other hand, polytheism acknowledges the existence of multiple gods or deities, each possessing distinct attributes and domains of influence (Smith, 2016). These gods may vary in power, knowledge, and morality, and they are often associated with specific aspects of life, such as love, war, wisdom, or nature. Polytheistic belief systems encourage diverse forms of worship and rituals directed toward different gods.

One notable difference is the number of deities venerated: monotheism focuses on the worship of a single God, while polytheism involves the veneration of numerous gods. Furthermore, monotheism often emphasizes the personal and intimate relationship between the individual and the one God, whereas polytheism may involve seeking the favour of different gods for various purposes. Monotheistic beliefs typically attribute omnipotence, omniscience, and moral perfection to God, while polytheistic gods may exhibit a range of attributes and may not necessarily possess these qualities uniformly. Some polytheistic gods may have flaws or engage in morally ambiguous actions, reflecting the complexities of human existence. Whether one belief system is superior to the other is subjective and often dependent on cultural, historical, and personal factors. Monotheism offers a unified and coherent worldview, providing a single moral source and ethical framework. In contrast, polytheism embraces diversity and multifaceted perspectives on spirituality, allowing for various interpretations of the divine (Davies, 2007). The Problem of Evil and Arguments The "Problem of Evil" raises profound questions about the existence of evil and suffering in a world governed by an all-good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God. This philosophical dilemma has led to arguments both for and against the coexistence of such a God with evil. Arguments against the existence of an all-good God in the face of evil include the logical argument, which posits that the presence of gratuitous and unexplained suffering is incompatible with the concept of a benevolent God (Van Inwagen, 2006). Additionally, the evidential argument acknowledges that while some suffering may serve a greater purpose, the

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sheer magnitude and intensity of human and natural suffering appear disproportionate to any conceivable justification (Rowe, 1979). Arguments in defence of the existence of an all-good God include the free will defence, which suggests that God granted humans free will, allowing for the possibility of evil resulting from misuse of that freedom (Plantinga, 1977). Similarly, the soul-making theodicy proposes that adversity and suffering contribute to personal growth, character development, and moral maturity (Hick, 1978). Personally, I find the free will defence and the soul-making theodicy to be persuasive arguments. While the existence of evil challenges the notion of an all-good God, these explanations provide reasonable justifications for why suffering may exist in a world where free will and moral development are valued. Thomas Paine, Humanism, and Religious Beliefs: Thomas Paine, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment era, identified as a humanist while maintaining belief in God and the afterlife. Paine's perspective can be understood in the context of Deism, a prevalent belief system of his time (Blumenfeld, 2016). Deism emphasizes a distant, non-interventionist God who created the universe but does not engage in ongoing miracles or revelations. Paine viewed God as the rational architect of the universe and embraced natural religion, which prioritizes moral behaviour and virtue (Wood, 2005). Personally, I appreciate Paine's emphasis on reason, ethics, and morality. While I align with humanism's focus on secular values and human agency, I acknowledge the diversity of individual beliefs. Paine's ability to reconcile elements of religious thought with humanist principles highlights the potential for compatibility between these worldviews, which can vary among individuals and interpretations. In conclusion monotheism and polytheism offer distinct perspectives on the nature of divinity, with monotheism emphasizing a singular, all-powerful God and polytheism acknowledging multiple gods.

Reference: Blumenfeld, D. (2016). The influence of Thomas Paine's deism on early America. Journal of Unitarian Universalist History, 41 (2), 1-15. https://www.archives.gov/news/articles/thomas- paine-attitudes-biography Davies, B. (2007). Monotheism and the uniqueness of God. Modern Theology, 23 (4), 499- 521. https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/abs/monotheism-in-christian-liturgy/ 014BD17969F090C0B9CF53E6F0F78DC5 Nash, R. H. (2014). Life's ultimate questions: An introduction to philosophy . Zondervan. https://www.amazon.ca/Lifes-Ultimate-Questions-Introduction-Philosophy/dp/0310223644 Plantinga, A. (1977). God, freedom, and evil. Eerdmans Publishing . https://andrewmbailey.com/religion/readings/Plantinga.pdf Rowe, W. L. (1979). The problem of evil and some varieties of atheism. American Philosophical Quarterly, 16 (4), 335-341. https://rintintin.colorado.edu/~vancecd/phil201/Rowe.pdf Smith, H. (2016). The world's religions . HarperOne. https://www.amazon.ca/Worlds- Religions-Huston-Smith/dp/0061660183 Van Inwagen, P. (2006). The problem of evil . Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-problem-of-evil-9780199543977? cc=ca&lang=en& Wood, G. S. (2005). The radicalism of the American Revolution . Vintage. https://www.everettsd.org/cms/lib07/WA01920133/Centricity/Domain/973/ Wood.Radicalism.Am.Rev.pdf

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PHIL1402 - 01 Introduction to Philosophy-Written Assignment Week 3

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