The problem of Evil Flashcards
What is the name of a theory for the existence of evil in the world?
A Theodicy
What are the Two main theodicies?
The Augustinian and Irinaean theodicys
What are the other names for the Augustinian and Irinaean theodicies?
The Fall and the Veil of Soulmaking
Which modern thinker adds to the Irinaean theodicy?
John Hick
Why is Hick a controversial theologian?
His is a pluralist (believes that all religions are part of the same idea, but that they are shown to different cultures differently)
What quote supports Augustine’s belief that God can not create anything imperfect
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” Genesis 1:31
1) What Latin term did Augustine use to explain evil in the world if it was not created by God?
2) What does it mean?
3) How does it circumnavigate the issue of God creating evil?
1) Privatio Boni
2) A privation of Good
3) God does not create evil, instead any lack of Good is Evil
How does Augustine explain differences in beings? (why they are not all perfect)
Diversity is part of goodness and perfection
How does Augustine explain Evil coming into the world?
the fall of the angels
How does Augustine explain the fall of the Angels?
Some Angels were given more “grace” by God than others
What does Augustine mean by “Grace”
Assistance from God on knowing what is right
Why did the Angels fall away from God
Misuse of free will
Who does Augustine see Satan as?
The leader of the Fallen angels
Why does the explanation of the fall using Angels require creative liberties?
Angels are not mentioned in Genesis 2 and 3 except as guards of the Tree of life after Adam and Eve are expelled
Why was the question of Evil at the forfront of the minds of Christians in Irenaeus’ time?
Persecution of Christians was fresh in the minds of the public
Does Irenaus admit that suffering exists?
Yes
What did Irenaus argue was the reason for Evil and Suffering?
For humans to form a deeper, more mature and free relationships with God
Why did Irenaus argue that evil was necessary?
We can not appreciate Evil without good. feeling are relative
What does Irenaus argue that Evil does for humans?
Allows us to learn
Why does God making people in his “Image” support Irenaus’ idea of Evil?
Humans have to have free will. They have to have the option of being evil
What is the difference between image and likeness for Irenaus?
We are born in God’s image, but must grow into his likeness
How does Kant relate to the Irinaean Theodicy?
He argues that you can only be responsible for evil if you have the choice to do good
What is Irenaus’s explenation for humans not being made in the likeness of God?
They are not capable of being made in that likeness
What is the analogy that Irenaeus uses in regard to humans being incapable of being made in the likeness of God?
He likened it to a baby being fed real food by a mother
Does Irenaeus believe that a human’s spiritual journey end with death?
No, it continues on the spiritual plane
Why did Hick reject the Augustinian theodicy?
He claimed it was incompatible with modern science
Why did the period of time Hick lived in affect his work?
Many were trying to reconcile WW1 and WW2
What phrase does Hick use to explain God not helping with the pain in the world?
Epistemic Distance
Why does God not make himself completely visible in the world according to Hick?
We need to live in a world where God’s existence is ambiguous in order to make the right decisions
Does Hick believe in Limited or Unlimited election?
Unlimited
