Religious Studies - 5 - Christianity - Beliefs & Teachings - 169 - The Nature Of God - Why Is There Evil And Suffering? Flashcards
Who was Epicurus?
An ancient Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE).
Epicurus is known for his ideas about God, evil, and suffering.
What question does Epicurus raise about God and evil?
‘Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?’
This quotation encapsulates the philosophical dilemma regarding God’s nature in relation to evil.
What is a common reason people find it difficult to believe in God?
The idea that God allows evil and suffering in the world.
Many describe themselves as atheist or agnostic due to this belief.
What does the term ‘atheist’ mean?
Believing in no god.
Atheists reject the existence of any deity.
What does the term ‘agnostic’ mean?
Unsure whether there is a god.
Agnostics hold that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable.
What is the problem of evil?
The challenge of reconciling the existence of evil and suffering with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God.
This problem poses significant questions for believers.
What are ‘theodicies’?
Arguments about why evil and suffering exist in the world.
Theodicies attempt to justify God’s allowance of evil.
List some reasons given for the existence of evil and suffering.
- God has given each person free will
- There is a force for evil in the world (the devil)
- God shares in our suffering
- Suffering is a test
- Suffering is a result of sin
- How we deal with suffering shapes our character
Each reason reflects different theological perspectives.
Fill in the blank: The devil is traditionally believed to be a _______.
fallen angel.
This belief stems from the idea that the devil was cast out of heaven for disobeying God.
True or False: Christians see suffering as an essential part of human life.
True.
This belief leads to various theological discussions around the purpose of suffering.
What is one perspective on how suffering can affect individuals?
It gives us the opportunity to become better people – it is soul-shaping.
This view suggests that suffering can lead to personal growth and moral development.
