The Nature of Evil and Suffering

Question 1

Atheist Approach

Answer 1

1. Evil is convincing evidence that God does not exist.
2. A loving God would not have created a universe so full of evil and suffering.
3. There is no God.
4. Iris Murdoch: (In ‘A Severed Head’: “I cannot imagine any omnipotent sentient being sufficiently cruel to create the world we inhabit.”

Question 2

Buddhist Approach

Answer 2

1. Our view of evil is distorted.
2. Evil is an illusion brought about by human greed and selfishness.
3. Evil is a result of past karmic actions.
4. We cause our own suffering by forming attachments to greed , desire, passion and popularity.
5. One can overcome suffering by stopping such cravings.

Question 3

Hindu Approach

Answer 3

1. Evil is an illusion brought about by human greed and selfishness.
2. Hindus believe all suffering is the result of evil committed in a previous life.
3. Evil and Suffering can be overcome by doing good for others.

Question 4

Monist Approach

Answer 4

1. There is no evil.
2. The universe is a single harmonious unity that is good.
3. Evil is a mere illusion in our minds.
4. Evil is not something that God has deliberately created
5. Evil is simply the absence of good.

Question 5

Zoroastrianism Approach:

Answer 5

1 . Assumes that the universe is a battlefield on which the Principle of Good and the Principle of Evil fight for supremacy.

2. Vardy argues that such dualist notions can be seen as a cosmic battle.
3. “If someone believes in two Gods, one of whom is good and the other of whom is evil, then this entails a Cosmic Dualism”

Question 6

Monotheistic Religion’s Approach

Answer 6

1. No suggestion that evil is an illusion.
2. Scriptures tell of the mixture of good and evil in human experience.
3. Evil is utterly bad and entirely real.
4. The Bible does not attempt to underestimate the reality of evil and suffering.
5. New Testament: suffering is a crucial part of the ministry of Jesus. (God takes on human sin through genuine suffering.)

Question 7

Nature of Evil and Suffering (Summary)

Answer 7

1. Atheist
2. Monist
3. Buddhist
4. Hindu
5. Monotheistic Religion Approach
6. Zoroastrianist Approach