Final answer:
The problem of evil is a philosophical dilemma that questions how an all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful deity could exist alongside evil and suffering in the world. Atheists resolve this problem by denying the existence of such a deity, while religious traditions attempt various reconciliation strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem of evil is a significant philosophical issue that arises when considering the attributes of a deity, particularly in monotheistic traditions. The problem stems from attempting to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the belief in a deity that is omnibenevolent, omniscient, and omnipotent.
For those who advocate for atheism, the problem is rendered null because the concept of an all-perfect deity is rejected outright. Without the presence of a supreme deity, the existence of evil doesn't conflict with the nature of the universe; it is merely a part of it without higher moral implications.
In contrast, the traditional religious perspective often attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with an all-perfect deity through various means. Some of these include redefining the nature of evil, altering the attributes of the deity such as in process theology, or forming a theodicy to justify evil's existence.
These approaches aim to solve the problem of evil by addressing the logical inconsistency it presents.
Ultimately, the disagreement between religious believers and atheists on this matter is profound. Both sides present arguments that reflect their underlying beliefs about the nature of divinity, the universe, and morality.
The debate contributes significantly to the fields of theology, philosophy, and even cultural studies as it touches upon fundamental questions of existence and ethics.