The problem of evil Flashcards
What is evil in Christianity ?
anything that causes suffering
What is moral evil ?
immoral actions that people CHOOSE to do using their free will
What is natural evil ?
anything beyond human control that results in suffering
Why is the original sin of adam + eve so detremental ?
because it broke our perfect relationship with God.
Suffering caused by death is a direct result of original sin
What is satan’s role in sin ?
He acts to tempt and leads people to disobey God. Whilst people can resist the devil, like jesus did in the desert, he causes suffering that tests their faith
The problem of evil ?
Mackie’s inconsistent triad -
If God is omnibenevolent, then he would care enough to stop the suffering in the world but he hasn’t so maybe he isn’t OMNIPOTENT
If he IS omnipotent, then maybe he doesn’t care enough and so isn’t omnibenevolent. It is hard to believe in an omnipotent/benevolent God when there is so much suffering in the world.
QUOTE REFLECTING THE PROBLEM OF EVIL WITH GOD BY EPICURUS
‘Is he able, but not willing ? Then he is malevolent. Is he neither able nor willing ? Then why call him God ?’
Soul making theodicy - response to PoE
- God allows suffereing to exist deliberately so that humans have the choice between the both and learn what is right
- through suffering, we develop spiritually - God wants our souls to develop
- God does not interfere because that would affect our free will. By having the consequences of suffering, we should be able to see morally.
Augustinian theodicy
- God made a perfect creation - there is no evil in God’s creation
- Evil is an absence of goodness. When something good becomes corrupt and lacks its intended perfection
- Evil enters the world through adam and eve
- Due to the fall, all humans inherit a sinful nature - adam and eve bought an inheritance of a predisposition towards sinfulness
- God doesn’t intervene with the fall beforehand because that would be an infringement of our free will.
- However god provided us with the opportunity for salvation from sin and a possible eternal afterlife, through the sacrifice of jesus christ
- Humans have THE CHOICE to accept or reject God’s offer for salvation
The bigger picture theory
Good can come out of suffering
- God has a bigger plan which we cannot comprehend.
The book of job - suffering as a test
Old testament - a catalyst for demonstarting faith - suffering
- God allows satan to put Job’s love for god to the test by cause him to SUFFER the deaths of his livestock, servants and all his children.
- Devil then inflicts painful sores all over job’s body - Job remains faithful to God but he QUESTIONS GOD’S FAIRNESS - why do wicked people flourish whilst good people suffer ?
- God appears to Job and asks job impossible questions which show that God is incomprehensible
Book of psalms
Old testament
150 sacred songs - suffering is just a part of life, just like joy. Solution is to change your mindset towards suffering rather than change suffering itself. Brings a deeper understanding of God.
Valve of soul-making - JOHN HICK
humans are born imperfect and are born into perfection through learning, through suffering which is the catalyst for self-growth. God gave us this life to make their souls good enough for heaven. We see the very best of humanity through their reaction of suffering and their demonstration of goodness
Intercessionary prayers
Solution - to pray more
Charity work
Catholic agency for overseas development - practical pragmatic response. To put faith into practise, to do the work required to alleviate the suffering.
Christian aid - development agency for 41 churches- believes all are equal before God. Christians should not just be focused on the eschatological reward but also improving this earthly life first. Everyone deserves a fulfilling life before death. These charities put their faith into action - jesus christ commands people to act. God has a preferential option for the poor - relates to liberation theology - God wants his people to show concern for the most vunerable and the most in need.
