Abstract:

In this paper, I examined Paul Helm’s theological determinism that he developed based off the doctrine of divine providence. Helm argues that, everything in the world happens in accordance with God's decree based on his providence. However, it is hard to explain the compatibility of God’s foreknowledge and human freedom as well as the existence of evil in the world on this view. For Helm, who explains human freedom through “compatibilist sense”, human is responsible for his actions in our world where everything happens in accordance with God's decree. According to opponents, this approach of him makes God the authorship of evil actions. Helm argues that human freedom can be compatible with divine determinism as well as with all kinds of determinism, therefore human is responsible for his actions. According to Helm, who defends “the greater good defence” as to why evil exists in our world, it is not always possible to know God's reasons for allowing some evils. While his explanation may seem prudential and reasonable in general, it may not be particularly satisfying when it comes to explaining some horrendous evils.

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