Problem of Evil and Suffering

Question 1

What was the primary goal of Hitler as stated in 1922?

Answer 1

The annihilation of the Jews

This reflects Hitler’s genocidal intent towards the Jewish population.

Question 2

Which groups did the Nazis also target besides Jews?

Answer 2

• Black
• Romany
• Disabled
• Gipsies

The Nazi regime aimed to eliminate various groups it deemed ‘undesirable’.

Question 3

What was the ‘Final Solution’ implemented in 1941?

Answer 3

A plan to move Jews to extermination camps after clearing ghettos

This marked a significant escalation in the Nazi’s systematic extermination of Jews.

Question 4

What does the term ‘genocide’ refer to?

Answer 4

Deliberate killing of a large group

The Holocaust is a prime example of genocide.

Question 5

What is the difference between moral suffering and natural suffering?

Answer 5

• Moral suffering - Manmade evil (e.g., murder, rape)
• Natural suffering - Beyond human control (e.g., earthquake)

These categories help differentiate the sources of suffering.

Question 6

What does the term ‘theodicy’ mean?

Answer 6

An argument to solve the problem of an all-loving, all-powerful God allowing evil and suffering to exist

Theodicy seeks to explain why a benevolent God permits suffering.

Question 7

What is the ‘Inconsistent Triad’ in the context of the problem of evil?

Answer 7

The problem of an all-loving, all-powerful God allowing evil and suffering to exist

This philosophical issue questions the compatibility of God’s attributes with the existence of evil.

Question 8

What does the term ‘omnibenevolent’ mean?

Answer 8

God is all-loving

This attribute of God is central to many theological discussions regarding evil.

Question 9

What is the significance of St. Augustine’s view on the creation of the world?

Answer 9

He believed in a perfectly created world that was disobeyed by God

This concept introduces the idea of original sin and its consequences.

Question 10

What is the role of free will according to the discussed beliefs?

Answer 10

To have free will, there must be consequences to our actions (evil = suffering)

This belief suggests that suffering is necessary for moral development.

Question 11

What was the selection policy in Auschwitz?

Answer 11

Fittest for labor were chosen

This policy was part of the dehumanizing processes in concentration camps.

Question 12

What does the term ‘moral evil’ encompass?

Answer 12

Actions that cause suffering due to human choices

Examples include acts like murder and rape.

Question 13

What is the significance of the Fall in the context of evil and suffering?

Answer 13

Evil and suffering exist because of Adam and Eve eating the fruit from the tree of Good and Evil

This event is often cited as the origin of sin in Christian theology.

Question 14

What is the definition of ‘omnipotent’?

Answer 14

God is all-powerful

This attribute raises questions about God’s ability to prevent evil.