R.E Philosophy (Good and Evil)

Evil is anything that is deeply immoral, wrong or harmful.

Christianity teaches that evil entered the world as a result of Adam and Eve giving into temptation in the Garden of Eden - The Fall

Original SIn - Every human being was born with a flawed nature after the fall

Christianity has personified evil as Satan or the Devil - a supernatural evil force over which we have no control

Christians might refer to someone who has performed evil deeds as being possessed by the devil

In the Sermon on the mount Jesus taught that anger and lustful thoughts are as sinful as murder and adultery (Matthew 5:21-30)

Evil can either be human or natural:

Human - Suffering bought about by the cruel actions of people. Includes things like murder, war, **** etc. the person doing the evil is able to make a choice about what is morally right or wrong.

Natural - Suffering caused by the world in which we live (Its no-ones fault). Includes things like disease, floods, hurricanes etc. Many recent natural disasters may have been caused by human interference in the natural world (Does this therfore make them human evil?)

Evil and suffering causes people to question their faith

How can a good God allow such things to happen.

Others may say that God can't be very powerful if he is unable to prevent suffering.

Some christians might argue evil comes about because of how we act. After the fall we have the choice to do evil.

Some say that evil is necessart for there to be free will

There has to be evil in the world for us to do good.

Christians believe that all the suffering in the world will in the end come to good and that God has a plan in which we must have faith.

They cope with suffering though prayer

They believe that when we suffer and struggle, we are closest with Jesus who suffered and died for us.

Accepting suffering - life must be worthwhile if God chose to come down and share it with us.

A moral code = list of what someone believes to be right and wrong.

People look fro moral guidance in different places such as:

1) Sacred texts - Some argue that they should be interpreted to suit the time they were written, others argue that they are the word of God and so must be obeyed.

2) Example of teachers - Jesus

3) Conscience - Force in your head telling you what is right or wrong. Could be voice of God. Reulst of upbringing "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me" 1 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus set an example for Christian today

Above all else Jesus wanted his followers to love. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind and with all your strength...love your neighbour as yourself" Mark 12:30-31

Dying on the cross Jesus paid for all the sin of mankind.

God is just and merciful so our sins have to be paid for.

Only those that have followed Jesus' teachings and behaved morally will enter heaven as a result of his sacrifice.

"Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil's schemes" Ephesians 6:11

 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind and with all your strength...love your neighbour as yourself" Mark 12:30-31

"The Lord loves righteousnouss and jstice, the earth is full of his unfailing love" Psalms 33:5

"With pain you will give birth to children" Genesis 3:16

St. Augustine - Believed evil was a lack of good.