The problem of evil

Question 1

What did Epicurus say about the the problem of evil?

Answer 1

• If God was willing to prevent evil but not unable, then he is not omnipotent
• If he is not able but willing, then he is malevolent
• If he can do both and is willing, then whence cometh evil?
• If he is neither able nor willing, then why call him God?

Question 2

What is an inconsistent triad?

Answer 2

Consists of three properties at which only two can be true. The conjunction of any two negates the third. The problem of evil is often given in the formula of an inconsistent triad

Question 3

What is evil incompatible with according to the inconsistent triad?

Answer 3

The God of classical theism

Question 4

Explain the concept of ex nihila

Answer 4

This is the idea that God has the universe out of nothing and is totally responsible for it. He can do anything that is logically possible

Question 5

What does ex nihila mean God should be able to do?

Answer 5

God should be able to create a world free from evil and suffering

Question 6

Define omnipotence

Answer 6

The idea that God is all powerfulDe

Question 7

Define omniscience

Answer 7

The idea that God is all knowing

Question 8

What is omnibenevolence

Answer 8

The idea that God is all loving

Question 9

Briefly explain the dilemma of the problem of evil

Answer 9

This is the idea that evil and suffering exist in a world where God is supposedly omnibenevolent and omnipotent

Question 10

What did David Hume describe evil as?

Answer 10

The central rock of atheism

Question 11

Why did J.L Mackie see the problem of evil as an arguement against God’s exist that was much more difficult for theologians to grapple wit?

Answer 11

He argues that more traditional arguements can be overcome by believers with the acknowledgement that there might not be a logical, rational reason for belief in God. However, he believes that the problem of evil poses a greater challenge because of the logical inconsistency it proposes

Question 12

What are the two different forms of the problem of evil?

Answer 12

Logical and evidential

Question 13

What does a logical arguement about the problem of evil focus on?

Answer 13

The idea that it is difficult to conceive of the simultaneous existence of a benevolent, omniscient God and suffering

Question 14

What does a evidential arguement about the problem of evil focus on?

Answer 14

The evidence of suffering in the world, viewing this as evidence against the existence of God

Question 15

Why is the problem such a difficult arguement for christians to overcome?

Answer 15

Because the existence of evil cannot be denied - as we see it all around us. Christian thought believes that evil really does exist

Question 16

How do monists, like sikhs and hindus, view evil?

Answer 16

As an illusion

Question 17

Why is it important for christians that God is omnipotent?

Answer 17

because this means god has the power to create the universe in the way he wanted and bring everything into existence. it also means he has the power to intervene in the world, and is able to break the laws of nature to do things like perform miracles

Question 18

Why is it important for christians that god is omnibenevolent?

Answer 18

the fundamental part of a christians relationship with god is love. god is believed to care for all humanity, even when this is in ways we dont understand. it is also about god being the soruce of moral commands