Christianty Flashcards
Identify the Christian understanding of the origin of evil
In Christianity, evil is often understood to originate from the misuse of free will by humans and fallen angels. The concept includes:
The Fall of Man: Evil entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, introducing sin and suffering into human experience.
The Fall of Satan: Evil is also attributed to the rebellion of Satan (formerly Lucifer) and his angels, who chose to oppose God.
Free Will: The existence of free will allows for moral choices, including the choice to do evil, which is seen as necessary for genuine love and virtue.
Describe the Christian perspective about suffering
Redemptive Suffering: Suffering can have redemptive value, drawing individuals closer to God and transforming them spiritually. Christians believe that suffering can be united with Christ’s suffering for a greater purpose.
Test of Faith: Suffering is often seen as a test of faith and character, providing an opportunity for spiritual growth and reliance on God’s grace.
Promise of Restoration: Christianity holds that ultimate suffering will be overcome with the promise of eternal life and the restoration of all things through Jesus Christ.
Explain teachings in sacred texts and religious writings on the origin of evil in christianity:
· Creation
Explain teachings in sacred texts and religious writings on the origin of evil in christianity:In Christianity, the origin of evil is attributed to the misuse of human free will in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve disobeyed God, leading to sin and suffering entering the world. This event, influenced by Satan’s deception, marks the introduction of moral and natural evil into God’s originally perfect creation.
Explain teachings in sacred texts and religious writings on the origin of evil in Christianity:
· Free Will
In Christianity, the concept of free will is central to the understanding of the origin of evil. God created humans with the ability to choose, allowing them to make their own decisions rather than being controlled or predestined. This gift of free will is essential for genuine love and obedience toward God but also makes it possible for humans to choose against His will.
Explain teachings in sacred texts and religious writings on the origin of evil in christianity:
· original sin
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.
This event is known as the Fall and was when Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden.
Analyse the response of Augustine on the issue of suffering and evil (Augustinian Theodicy)
Good Creation: God created the world as inherently good.
Free Will: Evil results from the misuse of human free will.
Evil as Privation: Evil is a lack of good, not a created substance.
Original Sin: Evil entered the world through Adam and Eve’s sin.
Purpose of Suffering: Suffering can lead to greater spiritual growth and is part of a divine plan.
Redemption through Christ: Christ’s suffering and redemption address the problem of evil and restore goodness.
Analyse the response of Irenaeus on the issue of suffering and evil (Irenaen Theodicy)
Creation and Goodness: God created humans in an “image” with potential for moral and spiritual growth.
Soul-Making: Suffering and evil are necessary for developing virtues like courage, compassion, and endurance.
Imperfect World: The world is not perfect but is a place for humans to grow and mature spiritually.
Free Will: Humans have free will to choose good or evil, which is essential for genuine moral development.
Greater Good: The existence of evil and suffering serves a greater purpose by enabling the soul to achieve its full potential and attain a higher state of goodness.
Eschatological Hope: Ultimate redemption and restoration will occur in the afterlife, where all suffering will be justified by the growth and development achieved.
Compare the perspectives of Augustine and Irenaeus on evil and suffering.
