Irenaeus theodicy Flashcards
How did he describe creation?
Creation is embryonic; the universe and earth develop over time
Who is God to irenaeus
God the creator is omnipotent and all-good
Explain his thoughts on human beings and how they were created
Human beings where created in the image of God but later develop the likeness of God
Explain his ideas on soul- making world?
The world is an environment in which people grow and develop into the like ness of God. Hence, natural evil is present in it.
Explain his ideas on epistemically distance?
There is an epistemically distance between God and people so that human beings have the chance to choose freely to grow into relationship with God.
Eschatological aspect
All will come to be in the likeness of God eventually, but this will not be in our physical life.
Free will
Free will is valuable, so God sustains a world within which moral and natural evil occurs.
Criticism:the concept of heaven for all
Unjust and calls Gods justice into question. Biblical teachers object to the concept as it contradicts biblical, Qur’an teachings on punishment.
If everyone when to heaven, there will be no incentive for righteous behaviour.
Criticism: the quatity and gravity of suffering
Unacceptable
The process of soul- making could not take place in paradise. Not all challenges in a persons life result in human development. Mostly creating misery e.g. Holocaust why did 6mil die not 4mik
Criticism: responsibility for actions
Many apparently evil people are mentally disturbed and cannot be held totally responsible for their actions
Criticism: why is the process of human development taking so long?
Can Go not speed up and prevent excessive suffering
Criticism: longer earthly lives
If we need an afterlife to achieve perfection, would it not have been easier for God to give us a longer earthly life.
Criticism: Evil appears random occurrence
Many people feel that there is no apparent reason why some people suffer and others do not. Especially regarding suffering of children
Criticism: justify evil
Ignores the fact that many develop good qualities without suffering. Many who have suffered a great deal are made worse by their experience. Even Jesus went about easing other people suffering ( Act 10:38 , matt 11:28-29)
Criticism: suffering can never be an expression of Gods love
When one considers the magnitude of suffering in our world , this problem is all the more serious. It would bring the character and integrity in to question.
