Christian Flashcards
The Origin of Evil in Christianity
Eve fell to temptation according to the Bible and picked from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil which had been forbidden by God therefore introducing ‘original sin’ into the world.
What does Christianity say about suffering
Suffering is a product of the fall, a consequence of human sin against God. Suffering is in our lives because we are living in a broken world. Some suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices, but some is due simply to the world being fallen. (Fall of man means the first man and woman from a state of innocent obedience to God)
Outline what sacred texts and religious writings say about the origin of evil – Creation, Original Sin and Free Will.
Christianity teaches that God’s creation was originally good, but evil entered the world through the misuse of free will. Original Sin occurred when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, introducing evil, suffering, and death (Genesis 3). Humans were given free will, and evil is often seen as the result of choosing to act against God’s will. Theologians like Augustine describe evil as the absence of good, rather than something created by God.
Explain the response of Augustine on the issue of suffering and evil – Augustinian Theodicy
Augustinian Theodicy argues that evil and suffering are not created by God but result from human misuse of free will. Augustine believed that God created the world perfect, but evil entered through the sin of Adam and Eve (Original Sin). According to this view, evil is not a substance but the absence or corruption of good, like darkness is the absence of light. Human suffering is seen as a just consequence of sin. However, God allows evil and suffering to exist to preserve free will and to bring about a greater good, ultimately leading to redemption through Christ.
Explain the response of Irenaeus on the issue of suffering and evil – Irenaen Theodicy
Irenaean Theodicy presents evil and suffering as necessary for human growth and development. Irenaeus believed that God created humans imperfect but with the potential to mature spiritually and morally. According to this view, the world is a “soul-making” environment, where humans encounter challenges, suffering, and evil to develop virtues like compassion, courage, and faith. Evil is not seen as a punishment but as part of God’s plan for human growth. Eventually, through this process of development, humans can achieve full maturity and union with God, becoming more like Him. This theodicy emphasizes spiritual development over immediate perfection.
Compare the perspectives of Augustine and Irenaeus on evil and suffering.
Augustine and Irenaeus offer contrasting views on evil and suffering. Augustine argues that evil entered the world through human misuse of free will, resulting in suffering as a consequence of sin (Original Sin). He sees evil as the absence of good and suffering as part of God’s plan to bring about redemption. In contrast, Irenaeus views evil and suffering as necessary for human growth. He believes humans were created imperfect, and that facing challenges helps them develop virtues and mature spiritually, ultimately becoming closer to God. While Augustine emphasizes sin and free will, Irenaeus focuses on growth and soul-making.
