The problem of Evil and Suffering

• Why do innocent people die?
• Why does God allow evil and suffering in the world?
• Why do disasters occur and kill thousands of good people?
• Why is there fighting in the world?
• Why do bad things happen?

If God is omniscient, benevolent and omnipotent then they knows we suffer, they wouldn't want us to suffer and they have the power to stop us suffering. So why do they allow us to suffer?

1.Some suffering is necessary to keep us alive e.g burns prevent us from touching ot things. Not relevant for death of loved ones.

2.Suffering helps us appreciate things e.g war helps us appreciate peace and life. Sometimes suffering just makes people angry, it depends on the person.

3.It can make us better/Stronger people e.g war helps us work as a team. Sometimes suffering makes people less likely to work as a team.

4.Some people suffer to achieve a goal e.g climbing Mt.Everest. Not relevant if it is due to a ntural disaster.

5.Suffering is a test of faith for religious believers. This doesn't apply to Atheist or Agnostics

6.Suffering is a punishment for sin. This would mean God is not benevolent as he causes pain and two wrongs don't make a right.

7.Suffering is a part of God's plan that only they know the purpose of. Proves that God isn't benevolent as he is causing suffering for no apparent reason.

Buddhism:

The three poisons (ignorance,greed and hatred) lead to more suffering. The only way to stop suffering is to follow the eightfold path.

The Four Noble Truths explain that life is unsatisfactory, full of suffering caused by cravings and desire. Understanding how to overcome suffering is central to buddhism.

Christianity:

Suffering is a result of human freedom to choose actions that cause suffering. This is believed because Adam and Eve disobeyed God and as a result brought suffering and evil into the world.

Some christians believe suffering is a punishment for sin or the devil tempts us to do wrong.

Hinduism:

Sinful actions is a reult of sinful actions in the past and in previous lives.

It's important to build up good karma so as to reduce suffering and gain release from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Islam:

Allah gave Adam the world to look after but he also gave him freewill so humans can choose to sin.

Shayton (the source of evil) was given the job of testing the faith of humans.

Sikhism:

Selfish behaviour causes suffering. Suffering is a result of Karma.

Actions performed now will affect rebirth.

Judaism:

Adam and Eve brought suffering into the world by eating the forbidden fruit.

God uses suffering to train and discipline his people. The book of Job examines the problem of undeserved suffering.