Theological Reflections on Evil and Suffering in the World from an Absolute Unity Perspective

The question of evil and suffering in the world touches upon deep theological questions, particularly when examined within varying theological frameworks such as Absolute Unity and the Trinity. This article explores how these concepts intersect, with a focus on understanding why evil and suffering might not be befitting for the majesty of a God who is Absolute Unity, as opposed to a triune deity.

The Divine Essence and Absolute Unity

The concept of Absolute Unity in theology is central to the understanding of God as the only eternal, per se subsistent essence. In this context, the Divine Essence is seen as a monad, or a single, indivisible reality. This notion contrasts sharply with the idea of a triune deity, where each hypostasis (person or essence) possesses distinct and separate attributes, including, in some interpretations, the attribute of innascibility (being begotten).

Divine Essence and Divine Majesty

The Divine Essence is equated with the Divine Majesty. This means that any attribute that does not align with the purity and perfection of the Divine Essence is deemed inappropriate or unbecoming. For example, the assertion in the Quran that it is not befitting for the Majesty of God to beget a son (verse 19:35) is a clear indication of this principle.

Evil and Suffering: Contingencies of the World

Evil and suffering, on the other hand, are considered contingent, meaning they arise from outside the per se subsistent essence of God. They are not inherent to the Divine Essence but are conditions of the world that God has created ex nihilo (out of nothing).

Evil and Suffering in the World vs. Divine Essence

The question posed—'How is evil and suffering in the world befitting the majesty of the God of the Quran?'—is fundamentally flawed because it equates the experience of evil and suffering in the world with the Divine Essence of God. Since God’s Essence is seen as unchangeable and perfect, any suggestion that evil and suffering are essential to the Divine Essence would be seen as heretical.

Furthermore, the belief in a trinity, where each person possesses the attributes of innascibility and paternity, is also incompatible with the concept of Absolute Unity. The trinity, with its distinct hypostases, cannot be equated with the indivisible and unicity of the Divine Essence.

The Inappropriateness of Tri-Unity in Divine Essence

The notion that a triune God could generate a hypostasis, even if each is distinct, is deemed inappropriate from the perspective of Absolute Unity. If one hypostasis is begotten, it implies a lack of Absolute Unity. The theological argument here is that any such generation within the Divine Essence would negate the principle of indivisibility and perfection.

Example: The Divine Essence and Innascibility

For instance, if the Second Hypostasis of a trinity were to generate another hypostasis, this would create a situation where the Divine Essence is divided or not wholly unified. This is seen as inappropriately divisible and contrary to the principle of Absolute Unity.

Ultimately, the question of evil and suffering in the world must be understood within the context of the relationship between the Divine Essence and the contingent world. Evil and suffering do exist in the world, but they do not arise from the Divine Essence. Any theological framework that attempts to incorporate the existence of evil and suffering into the Divine Essence would be incompatible with the principles of Absolute Unity.

Therefore, the question of the befittingness of evil and suffering in the Divine Essence is not valid from the perspective of Absolute Unity. As for the existence of suffering in the world, while this may be accepted, the existence of evil (intentional malevolence) is not considered befitting for the Divine Essence.

These reflections underscore the importance of distinguishing between the Divine Essence and the contingent world. The divine majesty and holiness are best understood as inherent to the Divine Essence, while evil and suffering are seen as external to this essence.