Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

---

One of the most challenging philosophical and theological discussions is the issue of natural evils, especially evils such as natural disasters, for which it is difficult to provide a rational justification for their occurrence. In the present essay, it will be argued that since humans often play no role in the emergence of natural evils, one instance of natural evil can be considered in the possibility or impossibility of the salvation and well-being of those individuals who either lived long before the emergence of religions or, for various historical and geographical reasons, have been deprived of encountering God's saving message. Therefore, it can be said that the issue of the possibility or impossibility of the salvation of such individuals can fall within the realm of theological discussions, particularly Christian theology, as well as within the discussions of the philosophy of religion. Additionally, this issue is related to pluralistic and exclusivist approaches in Christian theology, and depending on which approach we adopt, we will have a different analysis of this matter. However, based on Thomistic theology, although God manifested His message at a specific time and place in Christ, with a correct understanding of God and His attributes, we will find that God has not deprived humanity at any point in history from encountering His saving and redemptive message.

Keywords: Natural Evil, salvation, Christianity, Thomas, theology

     

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:

---

---