The problem of evil and suffering Flashcards
What are the 2 main types of evil and suffering? Describe.
Natural evil. Not controlled by humans eg. natuaral disasters, disease. Evil caused by natural events - consequence of malfunctioning natural world.
Moral evil. Caused by humans eg. stealing, murder, lying
The Greek Philosopher set out which argument ?
The Inconsistent Triad
What does OMNIPOTENT mean?
God is all powerful
What does OMNIBENEVOLENT mean?
God is all loving
Christianity, Judaism and Islam believe sin entered the world as a consequence of 2 sources. What are these?
1) Adam and Eve’s misuse of Freewill.
2) Satan
Who do some people believe satan to be?
A fallen angel, Lucifer. He rejected God and his reign.
Religious believers accept that evil and suffering must have a purpose.
Give 4 reasons.
1) A test of faith
2) To strenghten faith and acheive great things.
3) A punishment for sin
4) To allow freewill
Give an example of a ‘Test of Faith’ as a purpose of evil and suffering.
story of Abraham and his wife Sarah, they suffered from infertility. God promised them a son, Isaac. God asked Abraham to kill his sonto test his faith.
How does God use evil and suffering to strenghten faith and acheive great things?
Apostle Paul writes “suffering produces perseverence; perseverence, character; and character , hope” (Romans 5:3) Some believe that theu are called to suffer as Jesus did. Sometimes the purpose of suffering is unclear but may believe it is part of a greater plan. egs. Joseph, Job in the Bible.
Evil and suffering may be viewed as a reason for a punishment for sin. Give examples.
Adam and Eve’s punishment when they are banished from garden of Eden.
Noah and the flood.
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The purpose of evil and suffering allows ‘Freewill’. Explain how story of Adam and Eve suggests that God created freewill.
God told Adam and Eve that they should not eat fruit from tree of knowledge. They both chose to disobey and do evil, suffering then entered the world.
Theists argue that this disobedience has continued through history.
Freedom enable us to be human.
What did Friedrich Nietzsche (German philosopher 19th century) conclude about ‘Natural sufferin’?
Observed world was imperfect with evil and natural suffering. There is no natural order or pattern to the world, therefore there is no designer and no God.
Theists argue that natural disasters or evil are not evil in themselves. Why?
Many natural occurences bring benefits to humans eg. volcanic lava produces fertile soils, flood water irrigates land.
What is ‘THEODICY’ ?
The justification for God’s existence despite the reality of evil and suffering
What has Augustine’s theodicy been referred to?
As a ‘soul-deciding’ theodicy.
