Evil And Suffering

Question 1

Why is suffering a problem for theists?

Answer 1

Raises questions as they believe God is all knowing, all loving and all powerful.

Question 2

Define omniscient.

Answer 2

All knowing.

Question 3

Define omnipotent.

Answer 3

All powerful.

Question 4

Define benevolent.

Answer 4

All good and all loving.

Question 5

Name three questions suffering raises for theists?

Answer 5

If God wants the best for people (all good) why does he allow suffering?

If God is all loving why does he allow us to suffer?

If God is all powerful surely he can stop suffering?

Question 6

Define responsibility.

Answer 6

Duty; the idea we are in charge of our own actions.

Question 7

Define man made suffering.

Answer 7

Suffering caused by the actions of humans eg through war, pollution, crime.

Question 8

Define natural suffering.

Answer 8

Suffering caused by nature, eg. Volcanoes, floods.

Question 9

What questions do natural suffering raise for theists?

Answer 9

If God really created the Earth, why did he create a planet where natural disasters happen?

Question 10

What would a believer reply to an atheists view of natural suffering?

Answer 10

Even though God created the earth, he cannot be blamed for bad weather. The forces that made the Earth are those responsible for earthquakes etc and people should use scientific knowledge to find ways to avoid this suffering.

Question 11

What is a reason for man made suffering?

Answer 11

No reason however accidental suffering may come from laziness, thoughtlessness or ignorance.

Question 12

What questions do man made suffering raise for theists?

Answer 12

People may argue if God created humans, why did he give them free will- power to hurt?

Question 13

What might a believer reply to an atheists view of man made suffering?

Answer 13

Humans freedom is part of our nature just as earthquakes are part of the earth. People can think logically etc but can make mistakes as we are free to make up our own minds.

Question 14

What could you say to support suffering has a purpose?

Answer 14

Some suffering is necessary to keep us alive and well.

Make us appreciate things we take for granted.

Better or stronger person if we have to show courage and determination.

Suffer to achieve a goal.

Religious believers- suffering is a tear of someone’s faith.

Suffering is a punishment for sin.

Question 15

Define suffering.

Answer 15

When people have to live with unpleasant events/conditions.

Question 16

How do Jews explain suffering?

Answer 16

Result of free will, ie. Adam and Eve~ fruit.

Jews believe God uses suffering to train or discipline his people (Deutremony 8:5).

Question 17

Name a belief or teaching about suffering.

Answer 17

Known then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you (Deuteremony 8:5)

Question 18

How do Hindus explain suffering?

Answer 18

Result of sinful actions in a past life- law of cause and effect ie karma.

Important to build up good karma to reduce suffering in future and escape the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Question 19

What is the story of Job?

Answer 19

Satan challenges God by saying if job is sent great suffering he will curse God and lose his faith.

Satan sent trials such as losing kids but didn’t lose faith.

Sent boils but didn’t lose faith.
Friends think suffering is a punishment from God but job knows he has done nothing. Friend argues suffering is part of gods plan beyond human understanding. Job repents and is rewarded

Question 20

What is the Hindu response to suffering?

Answer 20

Practise yoga- gain release from cycle of death and rebirth to develop loving devotion, self control, knowledge. It is their duty to give and share with those in need.

Question 21

What is the Christian response to suffering?

Answer 21

Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Matthew 22:8)

Trust in God- accept and endure suffering- gods mysterious will- will also help others.

Should follow the example of Jesus who helped the needy.

Question 22

What is the Sikh response to suffering?

Answer 22

Sewa (selfless service) practise- help those in need.

Sharing is important- equality of all people.
Langar serves two meals a day to anyone- one free veggie meal after every service.

Question 23

Define evil.

Answer 23

The opposite of good. A force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against God.

Question 24

Define personal being (nature of evil).

Answer 24

The idea that evil is an evil spirit or devil rather than an impersonal force.

Question 25

Define personal being.

Answer 25

A nature of evil. The idea that evil is an evil spirit or devil rather than an impersonal force.

Question 26

Define impersonal force.

Answer 26

Nature of evil. The idea that evil is a power outside of people that draws them to evil.

Question 27

What are the three different ideas about the nature of evil?

Answer 27

Impersonal force (magnet) beyond reason and human ability to influence and stop.

Personal being (devil).

Human behaviour.

Question 28

Who is to blame for evil?

Answer 28

Evil is God’s fault- created people and gave them free will.

Our fault- make the choice to do evil.

Question 29

What problems does evil cause for theists?

Answer 29

If God is all good- why is there evil present in world?

If he is all loving surely he wants his creations to be good too?

If God is all powerful, why can’t he stop someone from doing evil?

If God is all knowing he must know people will sometimes choose evil over good.

Everything that happens is will of God- contradicts his goodness and care for people.

Question 30

How do theists respond to the problems evil raises?

Answer 30

The fact God gave us freedom- shows goodness and love.

God is all powerful and can defeat evil he chooses not to use that power. Interfered every time- controlling people wouldn’t be free.

Not everything that happens is Gods will. God doesn’t want evil to happen but people go against him.