Unit 2: The Existence of Evil Flashcards
1
Q
Quote from Gandhi about evil
A
‘Poverty is the worst form of violence’
2
Q
Evil as a result of human sin
A
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Fall
- They brought evil into a perfect world
- Known as original sin
- St Augustine said that human beings are responsible for evil as a result of making wrong choices
- This questions why God chose to create A and E if he knew they were going to be disobedient
3
Q
Evil as a lesson
A
- Irenaeus suggests that man was not created perfect, but immature, needing to grow and develop to perfection, as planned by God.
- Some Christians believe that evil is necessary for us to understand goodness
- If there was no wrongdoing then we would be unaware of justice
- The existence of evil allows us to be aware of God’s goodness
- Existence of evil teaches us lessons
- This doesn’t explain suffering that cannot be learned from, like the suffering of a baby
- Suffering may sometimes seem unnecessary as it could provoke anger with God
4
Q
Evil as a test
A
- Other Christians believe that suffering is a test of faith for believers
- It’s also a punishment for the wicked
- God will never allow Christians to be tested beyond what they can bear
5
Q
Irenaean theodicy
A
- Irenaeus stated that God made humans imperfect and is therefore partly responsible for the existence of evil.
- By creating imperfect humans, individuals are given the chance to develop and grow through a soul-making process into children of God.
- Irenaeus stated that eventually good will overcome evil and suffering.
6
Q
Augustinian theodicy
A
- There is no evil in God’s creation.
- Augustine argues that evil is in fact the absence of goodness.
- It is by human free will that evil comes into existence.
- The Fall means that all humans inherit a sinful nature described as original sin.
- God didn’t stop Adam and Eve from eating the fruit because he gave them free will and they would be like robots instead of people who have the power to make decisions.
