Revisiting Natural Evil: Complex Systems, Technology, and New Arguments for Traditional Theodicies

Abstract

This paper revisits our understanding of natural evil and its related defences in the light of relatively new evidence in Complex Systems Science and Science and Technology Studies.Complex Systems Science shows unpredictability is a necessary feature of a universe open to innovation and the emergence of life and consciousness. This casts the Free Process, Natural Order, and Process Defences in a fresh light: God created a truly free cosmos, governed by dependable laws that, however, foster novelty and growth, and natural evil is a necessary by-product of a living, adaptive creation.In addition, overcoming natural evil has been the key force in developing Science and Technology. Understanding this strengthens the Better Goods and Soul-making Defences by showing that hardship fuels our drive for insight and creating supportive communities.These insights present evil not as a punishment or an anomaly but as an intrinsic component of a dynamic creation that invites both divine freedom and human responsibility.

This paper revisits our understanding of natural evil and its related defences in the light of relatively new evidence in Complex Systems Science and Science and Technology Studies.Complex Systems Science shows unpredictability is a necessary feature of a universe open to innovation and the emergence of life and consciousness. This casts the Free Process, Natural Order, and Process Defences in a fresh light: God created a truly free cosmos, governed by dependable laws that, however, foster novelty and growth, and natural evil is a necessary by-product of a living, adaptive creation.In addition, overcoming natural evil has been the key force in developing Science and Technology. Understanding this strengthens the Better Goods and Soul-making Defences by showing that hardship fuels our drive for insight and creating supportive communities.These insights present evil not as a punishment or an anomaly but as an intrinsic component of a dynamic creation that invites both divine freedom and human responsibility.