Problem of Evil: Cause and Response Flashcards
Do evil and suffering prove that God dos not exist? How do Catholics view the existence of evil?
How does evil and suffering present a problem for an all-loving and all-powerful God?
Because if God WAS real and DID have these characteristics, how come evil and suffering exist.
How did the Greek philosopher Epicurus describe God as?
Malevolent, meaning cruel
How does God being omniscient support the problem of evil?
If God is omniscient, it means that he is aware of all the suffering in the world and isn’t doing anything to stop it.
What are the two different kinds of evil?
Moral evil and Natural evil.
What is moral evil?
Immoral or wicked actions that people choose to do, using their free will. E.g. murder, theft and, dishonesty.
What is natural evil?
Anything beyond human control that results in suffering. E.g. earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis.
How is God giving humans free will against the problem of evil?
Because, although he exists, he cannot interfere in any suffering that results from choices people have made.
Why do Christians believe suffering is not Gods fault?
Sin entered God’s perfect world when the first humans, Adam and Eve, used their free will to turn away from God.
What do Catholics believe about experiencing bad things?
It is all part of Gods plan and humans respond positively and that God is fair - people may suffer in their lives on Earth, but good people will be rewarded in Heaven.
