I would allow that if it could be shown that overall the universe is a bad thing then that would refute the claims of theism. Since I maintain that theism is true, I hold by implication that the universe is overall a good thing.
(J. J. Haldane, "Atheism and Theism," chap. 2 in Atheism and Theism, 2d ed., by J. J. C. Smart and J. J. Haldane, Great Debates in Philosophy, ed. Ernest Sosa [Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2003], 76-150, at 142)
Note from KBJ: Haldane is claiming (correctly) that the following three propositions are inconsistent:
1. If overall the universe is a bad thing, then theism is false.
2. Overall the universe is a bad thing.
3. It is not the case that theism is false (i.e., theism is true).
Everyone must reject at least one of these propositions. Haldane rejects 2. I reject 2 and 3. Which do you reject?
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 