It used to be widely held that evil was incompatible with the existence of God: that no possible world contained both God and evil. So far as I am able tell, this thesis is no longer defended
Interpretation
The quote challenges the idea that God and evil cannot coexist, suggesting a shift in philosophical thought.
Peter Van Inwagen reflects on a significant philosophical debate regarding the compatibility of God and evil. Traditionally, many have argued that the existence of an all-powerful and benevolent God would preclude the existence of evil in the world. However, Van Inwagen indicates that this belief has shifted, as contemporary thought no longer firmly defends this thesis, inviting deeper exploration into the nature of divinity and moral evil.
In practice
A professor discussing metaphysics may use this quote to illustrate modern philosophical discussions on theodicy.
Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.... The subjection of individuals will increase amongst democratic nations, not only in the same proportion as their equality, but in the same proportion as their ignorance.
The prejudice of the race appears stronger in the States that have abolished slaves than in the States where slavery still exists. White carpenters, white bricklayers, and white painters will not work side by side with the blacks in the North but do it in almost every Southern State.
I don't think you should have to try to be nice, I think most people are nice. I think being cheerful and nice is just a politeness.
In the strict sense of the term, a true democracy has never existed, and never will exist.
Real people have trouble balancing their checkbooks, much less calculating how much they need to save for retirement; they sometimes binge on food, drink, or high-definition televisions. They are more like Homer Simpson than Mr. Spock.
What should we suppose must naturally be the consequence of our carrying on a slave trade with Africa? With a country, vast in its extent, not utterly barbarous, but civilized in a very small degree? Does any one suppose a slave trade would help their civilization?
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