Solutions to Evil + Suffering Flashcards
What does Genesis say about creation?
God created a perfect world
Why does evil and suffering exist?
- in the Fall Adam + Eve used their free will to disobey God
- through the devil e.g. tempted Adam + Eve
Christians believe God sent Jesus to Earth to…
…overcome the evil in the world = he died for humanities sins in the cross
What does the Book of Psalms offer?
Reassurance that evil + suffering has a purpose = opportunity to follow Jesus’ example as God intended
Which quote relating to evil + suffering is from psalms?
“God is our refuge and our strength” (Psalms)
What does the Bible say about Job?
He suffered lots but didn’t lose faith + trusted it was part of Gods plan
Which teaching can Christians take away from Job?
Christians believe that they may not understand why they’re suffering, but they should trust in God = will be rewarded
Which quote supports the story of Job?
“In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing”
Explain why there’s evil and suffering in the world, in terms of free will:
God gave free will
Humans sometimes turn away = moral evil
Theories such as St Augustines Theodicy
Define the term ‘vale of soul making’:
Evil + suffering has a purpose = makes people stronger + appreciate the good things
Who put forward the ‘vale of soul-making’ theory?
The philosopher John Hick
How do Christians often respond to evil in the world? Explain?
Through prayer =God will give them the strength to face their problems even if they’re not answered the way they wanted, God has a plan
Give an example of a person inspired by suffering to help others:
Chad Varah = Giid Samaritans as a result if the suffering he witnessed in his community as a priest working in London
