Problem Of Evil

Question 1

Problem of evil

Answer 1

The challenge that the problem of evil poses for faith in god who is said to be omnipotent and omnibolevolent

Question 2

Theodicy

Answer 2

Defence of the justice of God in the light of evil

Question 3

Augustine

Answer 3

One of the most influential thinkers in western Christianity. Posed a theodicy on original sin

Question 4

Augustinian tradition

Answer 4

Follow the lead of Augustine in identifying free will- or gods deliberate decision to give up control of the universe and some beings within it- as a source of evil.

Question 5

Natural evil

Answer 5

Evil not caused by humans e.g tsunami

Question 6

Moral evil

Answer 6

Evil caused by humans e.g murder

Question 7

Evidential Problem of Evil

Answer 7

Proposed by William Rowe. The amount of suffering makes it improbable that God exists.

Question 8

Logical problem of Evil

Answer 8

Supported by J.L Mackie. And found in the work of Hume and others. God cannot be Omnipotent, Omnibonevolent, Omniscient and evil exist.

Question 9

Free will defence

Answer 9

Human free will explains and justifies the existence of evil in the world created by God.

Question 10

Hick’s vale of soul making theodicy

Answer 10

Modern presentation of the Irenaeun theodicy that says evil is essential to ‘soul making”’

Question 11

Irenaean theodicy

Answer 11

Humanity develops through encountering evil so it had a good purpose