Finding the Flaws in Wykstra's Formulation of Skeptical Theism: An Alternative Argument for Atheism

Abstract

At first glance the argument for skeptical theism as formulated by Stephen Wysktra seems to be acceptable reasoning in support of theism despite the problem of evil. On further examination, however, the argument only briefly sidesteps the greatest obstacle for theism. I find flaws with Wykstra's formulation including his use of the analogy between fleas in a garage and God's capacity and intention for good. He also assumes moral perfection of God, or at least moral superiority, which has not been successfully established by any of the traditional philosophical arguments for theism. Showing the weaknesses of skeptical theism has serious implications against choosing theism over atheism in the face of evil. This analysis eliminates skeptical theism as an acceptable argumentative strategy for navigating past the problem of evil. Given the evidential problem of evil, I believe that if a choice must be made between theism and atheism, the weaknesses of Wykstra's skeptical theism argument lead us to choose atheism.