Evil and Meaningful Existence: A Humanistic Response through the Lens of Classical Theism
Bonaventure B. Gubazire 
Issue: Vol.2 No.9 September 2021 Article 1 pp. 120-129
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2021291 | Published online 28th September, 2021.
© 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study modestly proposes a humanistic response as supplementary to classical theism in addressing concrete cases of gratuitous human suffering. Classical theism places evil in God’s divine plan of salvation for humanity. There is thus a good reason behind human suffering. However, there are times when suffering is so intense and dehumanising that any attempt to justify it in terms of God’s love for humanity fails to make sense in the lives of most people. It is at this point that a humanistic response, coupled with spiritual guidance, becomes relevant. A humanistic response expresses itself through an African ethical theory and practice known as Ubuntu. It pivots on key human values such as love, compassion, trust,
consideration, dialogue, forgiveness, solidarity, justice as equity, etc. It is in a spirit of togetherness that most existential challenges can be squarely faced to make human life more meaningful. Ultimately, a humanistic response recommends a change of attitude towards human suffering. Suffering should be seen as part of what it means to Be in this finite world, and that it is in one’s struggle towards the heights that one finds a sense in living.
Keywords: Evil, Classical Theism, Humanistic Response (Ubuntu), Attitudinal Change.
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Bonaventure B. Gubazire is currently a Lecturer in Philosophy and serves as Dean of Students at Spiritan University College-Ejisu (Ghana). He is a Catholic priest belonging to the Society of Missionaries of Africa (M. Afr). He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and has lectured in some other Universities. He has published a number of scholarly material and presented academic papers in various universities in and outside Africa. His research interests are focused on Education, Ethics and Religions (Metaphysics).
Gubazire. B.B. “Evil and Meaningful Existence: A Humanistic Response through the Lens of Classical Theism” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 2, no.9 (2021): 120-129 https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2021291
© 2021 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Publishers. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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