Attributes of God - Benevolence Flashcards
What issue is posed to God’s benevolence?
The problem of evil - evidential and logical and responses to this
If God is benevolent, what should he be able to do?
He should be able to act and respond to prayer - can’t do this under Boethius’ model but can act under Swinburne’s model being in time.
What does Wiles say about action?
God can’t act otherwise he has favourites - why heal one person and not stop the death of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust.
What does Ward say about prayer?
God can respond to prayer
What does Vardy say about action?
Must respond infrequently and disguised (Jesus) otherwise impeded free will.
What supports God’s grace?
Sacrificed his son for the sins of others - “for God so loves the world he gave his only son, so that all who believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
What supports a personal God?
Religious experience
How does creation support God’s benevolence?
God creates everything and sees that it is good - this is what it says in Genesis 1. God creates everything to ensure that life can be sustained. Makes humans stewards - shows that he cares that the environment is looked after. Also makes Eve for Adam as a companion which shows he cares for humans
How do the commandments support God’s benevolence?
Set up human rights e.g. Right to property - do not steal, the right to life - do not kill. They show God wants humans to live a good life. God has revealed moral principles - no need to use reason so is available to all.
How does the incarnation support God’s benevolence?
God becomes incarnate to atone for human sin. Jesus shows God’s goodness through his teachings. He also shows his goodness through miracles. Sacrifice on the cross to overcome the sin of Adam and Eve - ultimate act of agape love.
Give examples of when God answered prayers.
King Hezekiah. Sara, Abraham’s wife to become pregnant.
How does justice support God’s benevolence?
Justice illustrates a need to ensure equality amongst people and that people are dealt with fairly e.g. blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Floods the earth to get rid of human sin, sends the prophets to warn humans to stop their sinful ways.
