1 Flashcards
What is the definition of Omnipotence?
God is all-powerful
Omnipotence is one of the classical attributes of God in various theistic traditions.
What does Omniscience mean?
God is all-knowing
Omniscience signifies that God has complete and perfect knowledge of all things.
Define Omnibenevolence.
God is all-good
Omnibenevolence reflects the belief that God is perfectly good and desires the well-being of His creation.
What does it mean for God to be Eternal and Immutable?
God exists beyond time and does not change
This attribute emphasizes that God is not subject to time and remains constant.
What are Transcendence and Immanence?
God is both beyond the world and present within it
Transcendence refers to God’s existence outside of and independent from the physical universe, while immanence refers to God’s presence within the universe.
Who are Angels in this context?
Created from light; obedient servants who execute God’s commands
Angels, such as Gabriel, serve specific roles, including delivering messages from God.
What is the role of Humans according to this text?
Created with free will and responsibility; are stewards (khalifah) on earth
Humans are seen as caretakers of the earth, with the ability to make choices.
Who is Satan (Iblis)?
A jinn who refused to bow to Adam out of pride; serves as a tempter leading humans away from God
Iblis represents the force of evil and temptation in this theological framework.
What is Free Will?
The ability for human beings to make genuine choices
Free will is central to moral responsibility and the ability to choose between good and evil.
What is the Logical Problem of Evil?
The claim that the existence of any evil is logically incompatible with an all-powerful, all-good God
This philosophical problem questions how a benevolent and omnipotent God can allow evil.
Define the Evidential Problem of Evil.
The argument that the vast amount and types of evil in the world make it unlikely that such a God exists
This perspective emphasizes evidence of suffering as a challenge to the existence of a good God.
What is Plantinga’s Free Will Defense?
Argues that a world with free creatures (who sometimes choose evil) is more valuable than a world without free will
This defense suggests that the existence of evil is a consequence of granting humans freedom.
What is a Theodicy?
A set of reasons or explanations that justify how an all-good, all-powerful God might allow evil
Theodicies aim to reconcile the existence of evil with the attributes of God.
What is Epicurus’ View on the Problem of Evil?
Poses the dilemma regarding God’s ability and willingness to prevent evil
Epicurus questions God’s nature in light of the existence of evil.
What is Natural Evil?
Suffering caused by natural events (e.g., earthquakes, diseases) not directly tied to human actions
Natural evil is often seen as part of the world’s inherent risks.
Define Moral Evil.
Suffering resulting from human choices (e.g., murder, deceit)
Moral evil highlights the impact of human actions on the suffering of others.
What do Islamic Approaches to Evil emphasize?
Humans have free will (accountable for moral evil); natural events occur within God’s divine plan
This perspective underscores accountability and the purpose behind natural occurrences.
