Meaning: This quote by Walter Kaufmann, a renowned philosopher, addresses the widely held assumption that theism necessarily involves certain beliefs that are incompatible with the existence of suffering. Theism, broadly defined, refers to the belief in the existence of a deity or deities, often associated with organized religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Kaufmann challenges the notion that theism inherently requires believers to reconcile the presence of suffering with the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent deity. He argues that these assumptions are not necessarily inherent to theism and questions the need to reconcile suffering with theism at all.

The first part of the quote, "It is widely assumed, contrary to fact, that theism necessarily involves the two assumptions which cannot be squared with the existence of so much suffering," addresses the common misconception that theism inherently entails two specific assumptions. These assumptions are often understood as the belief in an all-powerful and benevolent deity, commonly referred to as the problem of evil. The problem of evil raises the question of how a benevolent and omnipotent deity could allow the existence of suffering and evil in the world. This philosophical dilemma has been a subject of debate and contemplation for theologians, philosophers, and scholars for centuries.

Kaufmann challenges the idea that theism must necessarily involve these assumptions. He suggests that the presumed incompatibility between theism and the existence of suffering is not a fundamental or necessary aspect of religious belief. By asserting that this assumption is "contrary to fact," Kaufmann invites readers to reconsider the rigid association between theism and the specific beliefs that seemingly contradict the reality of suffering in the world.

The second part of the quote, "and that therefore, per impossibile, they simply have to be squared with the existence of all this suffering, somehow," addresses the often implicit or explicit demand placed on believers to reconcile the existence of suffering with their religious beliefs. The phrase "per impossibile" is a Latin expression meaning "by the impossible," conveying the sense of an extremely challenging or implausible task. Kaufmann highlights the pressure or expectation placed on believers to somehow reconcile the existence of suffering with their religious convictions, even if it seems impossible to do so.

In essence, Kaufmann's quote prompts a reevaluation of the assumed relationship between theism and suffering. He urges readers to question whether theism necessarily entails specific assumptions about the nature of a deity and its relationship to suffering. Furthermore, he challenges the notion that believers are obligated to reconcile the existence of suffering with their religious beliefs, suggesting that such a reconciliation may not be necessary or even possible.

Kaufmann's perspective invites contemplation on the diversity of theological beliefs within theism and the variations in how different religious traditions address the problem of suffering. By emphasizing the fallacy of assuming a monolithic set of beliefs within theism, he opens the door for a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of religious worldviews and their relationship to the human experience of suffering.

In conclusion, Walter Kaufmann's quote serves as a thought-provoking critique of the assumed connection between theism and the challenge of suffering. His words encourage a reconsideration of the complex and multifaceted nature of religious beliefs, challenging the rigidity of certain assumptions and inviting a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between theism and the human experience of suffering.