I would agree that there is a single future known to God. At the same time God knows the outcomes of all possible hypothetical situations or at least that's the biblical view.Interbane wrote:If there is a "gods-eye-view" where foreknowledge is complete, then that means there is a single future that is known. Knowing mere possibilities isn't omniscience. Only the knowledge of which possible futures will happen matches with the concept of omniscience. But if there is a single future, then the view is no different from Compatibilist free will(determinism).
Man's nature is fallen and inclined but not compelled to evil.
It must be that God fore-ordains all that happens and that includes the evil he permits man to do. Against that you have clear commandments from God against evil and warnings of future judgement for evil and the innate moral sense given to man.
The idea of the best of all possible worlds must be weighed against the degrees of freedom given to created beings and the biblical view of the eternal existence of mankind.That's not the naturalist view, but the biblical one should include such considerations.
Arguably the original creation was a better world, nevertheless the freedom given potentially and actually resulted in rebellion, the fall,suffering and death. But this is the consequence of evil actions plainly warned against.
And God himself entered into creation in the incarnation of Christ and willingly endured death by crucifixion to make atonement for sins and provide a way of salvation for those who accept it.
I wouldn't want to be glib about human suffering which is real.From a biblical perspective Christ's own suffering and death is God's means of redemption.
Human suffering is a difficult subject which I don't think is as black and white as is sometimes portrayed. None of us possess the kind of omniscience that God does.From a Christian standpoint,the parable of the good Samaritan provides an outline of the kind of response, Jesus commends.
And just in response to one comment,I think that the attack on ant is uncalled for and unfair, particularly since he is in no position to reply.