The problem of evil and suffering Flashcards
Give two examples of moral evil.
Wrongful human actions such as war and murder.
What is the inconsistent triad?
The view that God is all-knowing and all-loving, yet evil exists, which is logically inconsistent.
In what sense may suffering be seen as a test of faith?
God allows a person to suffer in order that their faith will grow stronger.
What does ‘theodicy’ mean?
Literally means ‘righteous God’. A theodicy is an argument that suggests God is right to allow the existence of evil and suffering because, in some way or another, they are necessary.
According to Augustus, where did evil come from?
Augustus said evil came from decisions made by human free-will.
Who spoke about the ‘goodness of robots’?
Hick.
What is an ‘epistemic distance’?
The distance God keeps between himself and humanity so that we are not overwhelmed.
Why did Hick say that evil and suffering could be ‘soul making’?
Evil and suffering can be ‘soul making’: humans face challenges in order to gain perfection.
What did Whitehead mean when he called God ‘a fellow sufferer who understands’?
Whitehead meant that God is part of the universe and can feel the effects of evil and suffering.
