theme 2 - irenaeus theodicy Flashcards
What is a theodicy?
An attempt to show that God does exist whilst accepting the existence of suffering and evil
What does the Irenaean Theodicy argue about evil?
Evil is the result of free will
How does Irenaeus describe the world created by God?
God did not create a perfect world
What is the purpose of creating humans imperfectly according to Irenaeus?
So that they could develop into perfection
Which biblical reference is the Irenaean Theodicy based on?
The book of Genesis, specifically that God made us in his image and likeness
What is the process of moving from ‘image’ to ‘likeness’?
The development of potential and the actualisation of God’s spiritual qualities through trials and moral decisions
What is necessary for spiritual maturity according to the text?
Making good moral decisions freely
What qualities can only be developed in response to suffering?
Courage, compassion, and forgiveness
Why did God not create humans perfect from the start?
Because he needs our willing co-operation
What does freedom require according to the text?
The possibility of choosing good over evil
What happens if God intervenes in human choices?
Our free will would be lost
What does extreme suffering allow us to develop?
Higher order goods (virtues)
What was Irenaeus’s conclusion about evil?
In the end, all evil will be overcome and humanity will develop into perfection
What analogy does Irenaeus use to describe God?
God as a craftsman
According to Irenaeus, what is the role of humans in relation to God?
Humans are his material and should allow God to shape them
How does Irenaeus compare God’s approach to parenting?
Just like parents allow children to make mistakes to learn
What opportunity does Irenaeus believe individuals have in the afterlife?
To earn God’s forgiveness and develop spiritual perfection
How does Irenaeus’ view allow God to be perceived?
As both just and good despite temporary suffering
Who developed Irenaeus’ theodicy further?
John Hick
What does John Hick argue about perfection in relation to free will?
If God made us perfect, we would be like robots
What is necessary for true freedom, according to Hick?
Being created at an epistemic distance from God
What does Hick describe Irenaeus’ theodicy as?
A soul-making theodicy
What is the concept of universal salvation?
In the end, all will be saved.
What is meant by eschatological verification?
We may not understand why we suffer now but we will understand after we die.
What is the name of the theodicy discussed by Hick?
Irenaeus theodicy
What does Irenaeus’ theodicy aim to show?
That the God of classical theism exists while acknowledging the existence of suffering and evil.
What is a strength of Irenaeus’ theodicy regarding Christian beliefs?
It aligns with Christian beliefs that suffering produces human qualities.
How does Irenaeus’ theodicy relate to evolution?
It is in keeping with the concept of evolution
What is often produced as a result of suffering according to Irenaeus’ theodicy?
Growth
What purpose does Irenaeus’ theodicy give to evil and suffering?
A valid purpose
What role does freewill play in Irenaeus’ theodicy?
It removes blame from God and places it on humans
What implication does Irenaeus have regarding everyone’s fate after death?
Irenaeus implies that everyone goes to heaven
What is a potential consequence of suffering according to the text?
Suffering does not always produce development, sometimes only misery and suffering
How does the concept of suffering challenge the idea of God’s omnibenevolence?
It questions the omnibenevolence of God, suggesting that the purpose of life is to grow through suffering
What is D.Z. Philips’ view on suffering and love?
D.Z. Philips states that love can never be expressed by allowing suffering to happen
What observation is made about the distribution of evil and suffering?
There is an uneven distribution of evil and suffering
