The Problem Of Evil Flashcards
What is a theodicy?
A theory that tries to explain the existence of evil while maintaining God’s omnipotence and omnibenevolence
What is natural evil?
Suffering caused by the natural world
What is moral evil?
Suffering caused by humans
Explain Irenaeus’ theodicy
- Man is created as an immature being
- Over time our experiences would shape us into a child of God. This is known as soul making
- Evil is necessary to aid this development
What does it mean to say we were created at an Epistemic distance from God?
We are made at a distance of knowledge from God
According to Irenaeus which kind of evil is God responsible for?
Natural evil
What did Irenaeus say moral evil was a result of?
Having the freedom to grow into a child of God
Why did Irenaeus say the world was created imperfect?
So that we could develop into a child of God
What is the eschatological aspect?
The theory that at the end of time everyone will be judged by God on their moral actions
Who did St Augustine say was responsible for evil?
Adam and Eve, since we are all “seminally present in the loins of Adam” we are all born with original sin?
What does Augustine describe evil as?
A privation of good, not an entity itself
What did Augustine say about God’s creation?
It was perfect until ‘The Fall of Man’
How does Augustine use the eschatological aspect?
He says that on judgement day evil will be punished so God’s world can still be seen as perfect in the end
What is the free will defence?
Man can respond freely to God and choose to do good or commit evil
Why did Richard Swinburne say God cannot intervene to stop suffering?
It would jeopardise human freedom and take away the need for responsibility and development
