Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
METAPHYSICAL EVIL
Anything finite just because it is finite. It therefore lacks the complete goodness possessed by God alone. The term was used by some philosophers (e.g., Leibniz) to describe any limitation even though perfectly natural, as in all creatures. But the expression is not acceptable in scholastic philosophy as a correct description of evil because it implies there is something wrong in not being perfect.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
Pope Francis the Frank June 18
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11