Synthemon: the problem of the existence of evil and suffering

 Synchronic Theistic Monism: A Theodicy for Evil and Suffering

Synchronic theistic monism offers a distinctive explanation for the existence of evil and suffering in a world created by a perfect, omniscient, omnipotent, and just God. Rooted in monistic traditions like Spinoza’s philosophy and panentheistic elements of Christian and Eastern thought, this framework views the cosmos as a purposefully crafted, holistic system governed by absolute metaphysical principles—such as identity, causality, non-contradiction, and necessity. God is the ultimate source of truth and meaning, both transcending and indwelling creation, ensuring that every event, including suffering, serves a divine purpose. This essay explores how synchronic theistic monism addresses the problem of evil, responds to objections, and offers practical guidance for living with suffering.Core Principles of Synchronic Theistic MonismUnity and Purpose: The cosmos is a single, organic whole, integrating physical and spiritual dimensions. Every part—animate or inanimate—has a necessary place within this interconnected system, governed by divine laws reflecting God’s nature. Like an ecosystem in modern systems theory, where each component contributes to the whole’s balance, the cosmos operates as a unified organism designed for a greater purpose.Meaningful Synchronicity: Synchronicity refers to meaningful connections between events that appear coincidental but reflect divine design. For example, a chance encounter leading to a life-changing decision might be seen as synchronistic, revealing God’s purposeful weaving of events. Unlike mere coincidence or deterministic causation, synchronicity points to a deeper, intentional pattern in the cosmos.Metaphysical Principles: The cosmos is structured by absolute principles: identity (things are what they are), causality (events have causes), non-contradiction (nothing can be and not be in the same sense), and necessity (events follow from the cosmos’s essential structure). These principles ensure that suffering and evil arise not from divine flaws but from the necessary limitations of a finite creation.The Problem of EvilEvil as a Consequence of Limitation: Unlike dualistic views that posit evil as an independent force, synchronic theistic monism sees evil and suffering as consequences of creation’s finitude. Since the world is not God but a distinct, limited entity, imperfections—such as natural disasters (natural evil) or human wrongdoing (moral evil)—emerge as inevitable aspects of a cosmos distinct from God’s infinite perfection.Evil as Privation: Drawing on classical thinkers like Augustine, evil is understood as a privation, or absence of good, rather than a positive force. For instance, a natural disaster reflects a lack of environmental stability, while moral evil, like cruelty, stems from a deficiency in compassion or wisdom. This privation is possible only within the limits of creation, not within God’s infinite nature.The Value of Suffering: Suffering serves a purpose within the cosmic whole, fostering growth, learning, and the appreciation of good. Similar to soul-making theodicies, suffering enables individuals and communities to develop virtues like resilience or empathy. For example, enduring loss may deepen one’s capacity for compassion, contributing to the soul’s moral and spiritual growth.Theodicy in Synchronic Theistic MonismTeleological Justification: God, being omniscient, designed the cosmos so that both joy and suffering contribute to a unified purpose. Every event, pleasant or painful, serves a function in realizing ultimate good. For instance, just as ecosystems require cycles of destruction and renewal, the cosmos incorporates suffering as part of its developmental arc toward divine fulfillment.God’s Immanence and Incarnation: God is not a distant observer but transcends and dwells within creation, sharing in its suffering. This aligns with theological concepts like the Christian incarnation, where God enters human experience to redeem it. In synchronic theistic monism, God’s immanence ensures that suffering is experienced and transformed within the divine presence, offering a relational response to pain.Ultimate Reconciliation: All apparent evils are harmonized within the cosmic whole. God’s omniscience and justice ensure that nothing occurs randomly; every event, even the most tragic, is woven into a meaningful pattern. While finite human perspectives may struggle to grasp this plan, the framework trusts that all suffering is ultimately justified and redeemed in God’s overarching purpose.Addressing ObjectionsCritics may challenge synchronic theistic monism on several grounds. First, the scale of suffering—such as genocides or catastrophic natural disasters—may seem disproportionate to any greater good. The framework responds by emphasizing that even extreme suffering contributes to the cosmic pattern, fostering collective growth or revealing virtues like courage and solidarity. For example, historical atrocities have often spurred movements for justice, aligning with the soul-making process.Second, the role of free will may raise questions. Synchronic theistic monism accommodates human agency by viewing choices as part of the cosmos’s necessary structure. Free decisions, even those causing harm, contribute to the unfolding of divine purpose, as God weaves them into the larger pattern. This contrasts with free will theodicies, which emphasize autonomy as the sole source of moral evil, by integrating choice into a holistic design.Finally, the claim that evil’s purpose is “incomprehensible” to finite minds may seem dismissive to those enduring pain. The framework counters this by highlighting God’s immanence, suggesting that divine participation in suffering offers emotional and spiritual solidarity. Unlike purely intellectual theodicies, synchronic theistic monism provides comfort through the assurance that God suffers alongside creation, redeeming pain from within.Practical ImplicationsSynchronic theistic monism offers more than an intellectual response to evil; it provides a framework for living with suffering. By trusting in the cosmos’s purposeful design, individuals can find meaning in adversity, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth or connection. For example, personal loss might inspire acts of compassion, aligning with the cosmic unity. Ethically, the framework encourages actions that foster harmony, such as promoting justice or caring for others, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things. Spiritually, it invites trust in God’s presence, offering comfort to those grappling with pain by affirming that no suffering is ultimately meaningless.Comparison to Other TheodiciesUnlike the Augustinian theodicy, which attributes evil to human sin and free will, synchronic theistic monism emphasizes the necessary limitations of creation itself. Compared to process theology, which limits God’s omnipotence, this framework upholds divine perfection while integrating suffering into a purposeful whole. Its unique contribution lies in the concept of synchronicity, which frames events as meaningfully connected within a divinely orchestrated pattern, distinguishing it from other teleological or soul-making theodicies.ConclusionSynchronic theistic monism provides a robust theodicy, explaining evil and suffering as necessary features of a finite, purposefully designed cosmos. Drawing on classical metaphysical traditions and modern concepts like synchronicity, it affirms God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and goodness while addressing the limitations of creation. By engaging with objections, emphasizing divine immanence, and offering practical guidance, this framework not only resolves the intellectual problem of evil but also provides emotional and ethical support for navigating suffering. Ultimately, it invites trust in a cosmic order where all events, however painful, contribute to a greater good woven by a transcendent and immanent God.
sources:1 Synchronic Theistic Monism, a New Worldviewhttps://www.free-ebooks.net/philosophy/Synchronic-Theistic-Monism/pdf?dl&preview
2 Synchronic Theistic Monism, a New Worldviewsynthemon.com
3 SYNCHRONISTIC THEISTIC MONISM: an Ebook that explains Tarot, I Ching, and morehttps://manypossibilities1.blogspot.com/2025/04/theistic-dual-aspect-monism.html