Problem of evil

Question 1

What is the riddle of Epicurus?

Answer 1

• If God is omnibenevolent he would want to remove evil and suffering.
• If God is omnipotent he would be able to remove evil and suffering
• Therefore God cannot exist if evil and suffering exist

Question 2

What is Epicurus’ quote about the problem of evil?

Answer 2

• “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing?
  Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor winning? Then why call him God?”

Question 3

What is an argument AGAINST the riddle of Epicurus

Answer 3

• God cant do things against his nature, he would not sin
• Not all pain is bad, God may want you to experience this for many reasons e.g to test your faith or to help you learn.

Question 4

What are two types of evil?

Answer 4

• Moral evil ( caused by humans )
• Natural evil ( caused by nature )

Question 5

What is the book of Job?

Answer 5

• Job who is described as righteous, wealthy, and faithful to God.
• Despite this he suffers terribly, he loses his health, his children, and his wealth.
• This is because God allowed the devil to test Job’s faith.
• Job questions why he is suffering. His friends wrongly assume it’s a punishment for sin. But Job insists he’s innocent. He challenges God, asking for an explanation.
• Job remained faithful to God because he understood you should trust Gods wisdom even if you dont understand whats happening

Question 6

What does book of Job teach?
Add a quote to back up point

Answer 6

• Good people can suffer for no clear reason.
• Suffering is not always a punishment for sin.
• God’s wisdom is greater than ours – we may not understand His plan.
• Stay faithful and trust God, even in hard times.
• “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” ( Job 13:15 )