1.7 Evil and suffering

Question 1

Why does evil exist?

Answer 1

• Some Christians may argue that the Devil causes evil as he tries to turn people away from God, e.g. ‘the Fall’
• The Irenaean theodicy teaches that suffering helps to develop the morality of humans so they can grow into the perfect likeness of God
• God gave us freewill so evil must exist in order for us to make a choice
• The Augustinian theodicy teaches that evil is a punishment for suffering. The continued presence of evil is due to humans’ constant misuse of free will = we are responsible for evil’s existence
• Due to ‘original sin’

Question 2

Why do people suffer?

Answer 2

• Leads to personal growth

- Provides an opportunity to demonstrate goodness

Question 3

What are the Irenaean & Augustinian theodicies?

Answer 3

I = Suffering helps to develop morality
A = Evil is a punishment for suffering