Evil and Suffering Flashcards
1
Q
The Problem of Evil
A
- If God is omnibenevolent he would want to stop the evil
- If he was omnipotent he could stop the evil
- Therefore there should be no evil
2
Q
Different types of evil and suffering
A
- natural evil - suffering through nature
- moral evil - acts of humans
3
Q
Origins of evil for Christians
A
- Humans are born with original sin
- God allows for evil to develop moral souls
- God does not stop evil as it would interfere with freewill
- God created humans with potential of spiritual growth
- Learn what is right and wrong to make decisions ]
- St. Irenaeus and John Hick
4
Q
Origins of evil for Muslims
A
- All that happens is a part of Allah’s plan
- Humans are given freewill and their actions will be answered on judgement day
- Shaytan tempts humans but it can be resisted
5
Q
Attitudes towards evil and suffering - Christianity
A
- Suffering is a test of faith to see if you truly believe in God
- The Bible story of Job; to see if he would keep his faith
- It is easy to believe when things are easy
- Helps us develop a moral soul
- Ability to grow spiritually
- Teaches us to be better people
- Opportunities to understand the importance of helping others
- Evil is simply to absence of God
- Satan makes evil in the form of temptation and suffering
- Jesus’ suffering bought out a greater good
6
Q
Attitudes towards evil - Islam
A
- Suffering can be a test of faith
- It is important to help those who are suffering through Sadaqah and Zakah
- Learning self discipline
Everything happens because it is the plan of God - It is a gift from God
- Good can come from evil and suffering
- People can resist temptation to follow the right path and show their faith
- You will be rewarded in the afterlife
- Evil comes from Shaytan
- Follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad
7
Q
Causes of suffering
A
- Disease
- Inequality
- Poverty
- Terrorism
- Natural disasters
- Ambitions
- War and Conflict
- Human greed
8
Q
Ways to alleviate Suffering
A
- Medical care
- Building works
- Disaster relief
- Rehabilitation programmes
- Counselling
- Fund-raising
- Prayer
- Training sessions/education
9
Q
St. Irenaeus
A
- Father of the early Christian church
- Humankind was not created perfect
- God allows for spiritual growth
10
Q
John Hick
A
- Followed Irenaean theodicy
- God allows for spiritual growth
- Argues the process of “SOUL-MAKING”
- Humans are born with an immense distance between themselves and God
11
Q
CHRISTIANITY - SOURCE OF WISDOM PARABLE FOR SUFFERING
A
Book of Job
12
Q
ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON EVIL
A
“if you pardon and overlook and forgive - then indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful.” - QUR’AN 64:14
13
Q
ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON GIVING
A
“what you give in Zakah, desiring the countenance of Allah - those are the multipliers.” - QUR’AN 30:39
