The problem of evil and some varieties of atheism

Abstract

In this paper I present an argument for atheism based on evil and argue that it may rationally justify someone in being an atheist. I then describe the theist’s best response to this argument. Several different positions the informed atheist may take concerning the rationality of theistic belief are then described: unfriendly atheism, indifferent atheism, and friendly atheism. The paper concludes with a defense of friendly atheism.