C1.8 Divergent solutions to the problem of evil and suffering Flashcards
what is the real point/moral behind The Story of Job?
God must have a reason for evil and suffering (omniscient, has a plan); but people cannot understand the reason
the key quote from pslam 119?
“It was good for me to have been afflicted”
Explain the (theoretical) free will response to explain evil/suffering.
During the days of creation, God made humanity in his Image. So we had free will. This means that we can do whatever we want without the influence of God and we have responsibility for our own actions. This is explains moral suffering; suffering inflicted by humans.
Explain the (theoretical) vale of soul-making response to explain evil/suffering.
The existence of evil is there to make our souls stronger to fight against it. When our souls get stronger and better, we prove ourselves worthy of heaven; the eternal paradise which is a reward.
what are 3 practical responses to the problem of evil and suffering?
Intercessionary Prayer
Becoming a doctor, nurse, social worker etc
Founding or working for charities
do Catholics think that only Christians can go to heaven?
yes
explain the practical response to evil and suffering to do with charity
By offering practical help to those suffering, Chritians are following Jesus’s example to respond to evil as he also healed the sick and brought sight to the blind etc.
explain the biblical response to the problem of evil and suffering referring to the story of Job
There is no point of worrying about the problem of evil because humans cannot understand God’s reasons for doing things. The story of Job shows this as its main point is that God must have a reason for evil and suffering (omniscient, has a plan); but people cannot understand the reason. Not that if you remain faithful to God through suffering, he will reward you. Although Job was rewarded in The Story of Job, this is NOT the point. It is pure coincidence - lots of people have terrible lives without any reward, even though they were faithful. So this cannot be the point - because this does not happen. The real point (according to Christians) is that there is a reason for suffering, even though we may not know/understand it. And we should trust in God and his plan.
explain the biblical response to the problem of evil and suffering referring to the psalms
Psalm 119 (66-71) shows that suffering was intended to be a part of life and many stories in it are of good, religious people suffering. Here joy and suffering go side by side.
what do Christians call acts moral suffering?
sins
why do Christians call moral suffering sins?
Christians often call acts of moral evil sins, because they are against what God wants humans to do/has instructed humans to do.
