Evil And Suffering Flashcards
Why is suffering a problem for theists?
Raises questions as they believe God is all knowing, all loving and all powerful.
Define omniscient.
All knowing.
Define omnipotent.
All powerful.
Define benevolent.
All good and all loving.
Name three questions suffering raises for theists?
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?
Define responsibility.
Duty; the idea we are in charge of our own actions.
Define man made suffering.
Suffering caused by the actions of humans eg through war, pollution, crime.
Define natural suffering.
Suffering caused by nature, eg. Volcanoes, floods.
What questions do natural suffering raise for theists?
If God really created the Earth, why did he create a planet where natural disasters happen?
What would a believer reply to an atheists view of natural suffering?
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.
What is a reason for man made suffering?
No reason however accidental suffering may come from laziness, thoughtlessness or ignorance.
What questions do man made suffering raise for theists?
People may argue if God created humans, why did he give them free will- power to hurt?
What might a believer reply to an atheists view of man made suffering?
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.
What could you say to support suffering has a purpose?
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.
Define suffering.
When people have to live with unpleasant events/conditions.
How do Jews explain suffering?
Result of free will, ie. Adam and Eve~ fruit.
Jews believe God uses suffering to train or discipline his people (Deutremony 8:5).
Name a belief or teaching about suffering.
Known then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you (Deuteremony 8:5)
How do Hindus explain suffering?
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.
What is the story of Job?
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
What is the Hindu response to suffering?
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.
What is the Christian response to suffering?
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.
What is the Sikh response to suffering?
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.
Define evil.
The opposite of good. A force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against God.
Define personal being (nature of evil).
The idea that evil is an evil spirit or devil rather than an impersonal force.