Leibnizian optimism explained

[orthodox]

Simply put Leibnizian optimism explains why you should not overthink individual events in life but instead trust in the bigger plan, here is why:

Our universe was created by a God which has these traits, Omniscience (all knowing) Omnipotence (all powerful) and Benevolence (does good)

if God knows the best possible outcome (Omniscient) has the power to make it come true (Omnipotent) and he always does what is good (Benevolent)

then its only possible that we are in the best possible universe and all things must happen as they do for a reason.

(Of course this is presuming you believe in the standard view of God but that is its own discussion.)

 

[orthodox]

@Sir Silentium thoughts?

 

[Sir Silentium]

@Sir Silentium thoughts?

I agree for the most part - especially that God is Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Benevolence. All 3 are the definition of God.

Although with the claim:

then its only possible that we are in the best possible universe and all things must happen as they do for a reason.

I wouldn't say this is the best possible world, the Bible doesn't mention it. What the bible does mention is that this is a fallen world - as a result of sin. So whilst God's creation is perfect, humanity brought sin and corruption into it.

After Adam and Eve sinned scripture mentioned, "the ground was cursed because of sin". And that "creation was subjected to futility and is groaning, awaiting redemption (in revelations)".

But when the Lord returns, he will destroy this earth as we know it and form a new earth to be "perfect", that we will know as heaven.

 

[orthodox]

I wouldn't say this is the best possible world, the Bible doesn't mention it. What the bible does mention is that this is a fallen world - as a result of sin. So whilst God's creation is perfect, humanity brought sin and corruption into it.
After Adam and Eve sinned scripture mentioned, "the ground was cursed because of sin". And that "creation was subjected to futility and is groaning, awaiting redemption (in revelations)".
But when the Lord returns, he will destroy this earth as we know it and form a new earth to be "perfect", that we will know as heaven.

I agree with this, Leibnizian optimism isn't saying we live in a perfect world or that humans actions are perfect its saying we live in the perfect timeline in which all events happen for a reason and that reason is just.

 

[dumbozhina]

enlightenment thinkers...naive but heartwarming. difficult to have this kind of optimism these days.
i despise the quietism it produces. it is indeed the opium of the masses. theodicy basically is: all good comes from god, all bad comes from human. excuses of bad parents/government.

1. i gave u the best -> this post
2. i gave birth to u -> god created u

 

[Sir Silentium]

I agree with this, Leibnizian optimism isn't saying we live in a perfect world or that humans actions are perfect its saying we live in the perfect timeline in which all events happen for a reason and that reason is just.

Well, I disagree that we live in the perfect timeline. The Bible teaches that this present age is fallen because of sin and is under the influence of the devil.

God is sovereign and works all things for good, but that doesn't mean every event is the best possible nor that this timeline is perfect. We are still awaiting Christ's return and the restoration of all things.

This is not a good time we are living in, as in the last days Satan will pour out his wrath against the Lord onto us, leading us astray. This day and age is the one of the worst (if not the worst) biblically.

 

[dumbozhina]

let's see how long religious believers, especially in the west, can still buy this crap. because shit is going to happen that is out of ur imagination.

 

[orthodox]

Well, I disagree that we live in the perfect timeline. The Bible teaches that this present age is fallen because of sin and is under the influence of the devil.

God is sovereign and works all things for good, but that doesn't mean every event is the best possible nor that this timeline is perfect. We are still awaiting Christ's return and the restoration of all things.

This is not a good time we are living in, as in the last days Satan will pour out his wrath against the Lord onto us, leading us astray. This day and age is the one of the worst (if not the worst) biblically.

Yes i agree the world is fallen and the devil influences the world and of course there will be bad even very bad time periods but i don't see exactly where you see a contradiction between that and saying the overall timeline is the best possible

there is some sort of contradiction if god is all knowing of what the best way for it to unfold all powerful to put us into the perfect timeline and all good to do what is best for us yet doesnt put us into the perfect timeline

Us living in the best possible timelime would not entail that every period or action is good it would mean that each is the best possible in the overall plan compared to something else