finding purpose in darkness: the necessity of god amidst evils

The problem of evil, a perennial challenge in theology and philosophy, grapples with the coexistence of an omnipotent, omniscient, and morally good god and the existence of suffering and malevolence in the world. william james, a pioneering figure in american pragmatism, offers a provocative perspective on this age-old dilemma. departing from traditional theistic arguments, james reframes the discourse by emphasizing the pragmatic significance of belief in god rather than attempting to reconcile god s attributes with the reality of evil. central to james thesis is the assertion that belief in god serves a vital function in human existence, particularly in confronting the existential angst and moral ambiguity inherent in a world, which is marked by suffering and injustice. rather than engaging in metaphysical debates about the origins or necessity of evil, james shifts the focus towards the transformative power of faith in shaping individual agency and moral decision-making. in this presentation, i will explore james assertion regarding the interdependence of belief in god and the problem of evil, highlighting the pragmatic implications of his philosophy for navigating the moral landscape of existence. furthermore, i will mention that james adopted a monist conception of god. it will be underlined that this vision contributes to dealing with evil in two main ways: it lends meaning to the demand for good alongside evil and fosters an attitude of embracing life with vitality and vigor rather than merely adhering to dogma or rules. in conclusion, i will evaluate the significance of james pragmatic approach within the broader context of theistic thought. while acknowledging james emphasis on the practical benefits of belief in god offers a compelling alternative perspective on the age-old problem of evil, enriching the ongoing dialogue on faith, reason, and the nature of divinity in a world fraught with moral ambiguity, i will also consider theism to be more successful than monism in dealing with evil. thus, the relationship between the concept of god and this problem will be revealed.