evil and suffering Flashcards
What is the problem of evil?
The philosophical dilemma regarding the existence of evil in a world governed by an all-powerful, all-knowing, and benevolent God.
What are the two main types of evil?
Moral evil and natural evil.
Define moral evil.
Evil that results from human actions, such as crime, violence, and injustice.
Define natural evil.
Evil that results from natural events, such as earthquakes, floods, and diseases.
What is theodicy?
Justifications or explanations for why a benevolent God permits evil and suffering.
True or False: The existence of evil contradicts the existence of God.
True.
What is Augustine’s view on evil?
Evil is a privation of good, meaning it exists as a lack of goodness.
What is the Free Will Defense?
The argument that God allows evil to exist because it is a consequence of granting humans free will.
Fill in the blank: According to the _______ view, suffering can lead to personal growth and development.
soul-making
What is the significance of the ‘Fall’ in the context of evil?
It explains the introduction of moral evil into the world through human disobedience.
Who proposed the concept of ‘soul-making’ theodicy?
John Hick.
What does the term ‘theodicy of protest’ refer to?
A response to suffering that questions the justice and goodness of God.
True or False: According to utilitarianism, the presence of suffering can be justified if it leads to a greater overall happiness.
True.
What is process theology’s view on God and evil?
It suggests that God is not omnipotent in the traditional sense and is affected by the world’s suffering.
What is the significance of the Book of Job in discussions of evil and suffering?
It explores the nature of suffering and the relationship between God and humanity.
What is the ‘Inconsistent Triad’?
The idea that God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and evil exists, which presents a logical contradiction.
Fill in the blank: According to existentialist philosophers, suffering is an inherent part of the human _______.
condition
What is the concept of ‘divine hiddenness’?
The idea that God’s existence is not evident due to the presence of evil and suffering.
True or False: The existence of evil can lead to a stronger faith in God.
True.
What is the significance of ‘redemptive suffering’ in Christian theology?
It suggests that suffering can have a purpose and can lead to salvation or spiritual growth.
Who is associated with the ‘logical problem of evil’?
Epicurus.
What is the main idea of ‘existentialism’ regarding suffering?
Suffering is a fundamental aspect of existence that individuals must confront.
What role does empathy play in the human response to suffering?
Empathy can lead to compassion and action to alleviate the suffering of others.
Fill in the blank: _______ argues that suffering can lead to a greater understanding of love and joy.
C.S. Lewis
What is epistemic distance?
A distance in the dimension of knowledge between humanity and God
What does the evidential problem of evil argue?
The amount of suffering in the world makes it unreasonable to believe in God
What is the free-will defence?
The view that humans have free will which can explain and justify the existence of evil
What is an inconsistent triad?
A set of three propositions where at least two can be true but not all three
What does the logical problem of evil assert?
That ‘God is Love’, ‘God is all-powerful’, and ‘there is evil in the world’ are logically inconsistent
Define moral evil.
Intentional human action or inaction that results in suffering
Define natural evil.
Causes of suffering within the natural world including disaster, disease, decay, and death
What is panentheism?
The view that all ‘is in God’; God is the soul of the universe
What does ‘persuade’ mean in the context of Process Theology?
To coax or influence; God created the universe by persuading existing material
What is the problem of evil?
The challenge that the existence of evil poses for faith in God, recognized in two forms
What is a theodicy?
A justification of the ‘God of Classical Theism’ arguing that God is fair to allow evil
What does transcendent mean?
The idea that God is above and beyond space-time