The Problem of Evil Notes

?
  • Created by: naomi2310
  • Created on: 22-12-14 19:30
Define Suffering
When people have to live with unpleasant events or conditions.
1 of 20
Why is suffering a problem?
Suffering raises problems for theists, who believe that God is benevolent (all loving), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent (all powerful).
2 of 20
Define Responsibility
Responsibility is duty, the idea that we are in charge of our own actions.
3 of 20
What are the differences between natural and manmade suffering?
Natural suffering is caused by natural events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis or floods. Man made events are caused by the result of the actions of humans, e.g war, crime, pollution, murder
4 of 20
How would a believer respond to natural suffering?
Although God is powerful and created the worth, he is not to blame for earthquakes, people should use scientific knowledge to develop ways to avoid suffering that natural events cause.
5 of 20
How would a believer respond to manmade suffering?
People have freewill, they can choose how to behave, believers may say human freedom is just part of our nature, people can think logically and make decisions about what is right and wrong, aren't programmed like robots, therefore making mistakes.
6 of 20
What is unjust suffering?
Unjust suffering is unfair and not right, whereas just suffering is fair and right.
7 of 20
Does suffering have a purpose? (A religious response)
Some suffering is necessary to keep us alive and well, pain tells us something is wrong, pain makes us stop doing things that would cause us harm. It make's us appreciate things. An argument is that it is part of God's plan. Some argue it is a test.
8 of 20
How do christians explain suffering?
For christians, suffering is a result of human freedom. 'The Fall' of adam and eve (GENESIS 3) shows the consequences of freewill. Adam and Eve brought evil into God's perfect world. It's God's punishment for sin. Jesus broke evil on the cross.
9 of 20
How do religions respond to suffering?
Trusting in God helps christians to accept suffering, 'Love thy neighbour' (Matthew 23:9) means that christians should take active steps, following the example of Jesus.
10 of 20
Describe the work of a religious charity.
Christian Aid is a charity that funds projects in some of the world's poorest countries. It helps people to improve their own lives and to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. It was set up in 1945 by churches in the UK and Ireland.
11 of 20
What is the inconsistent triad?
The Inconsistent Triad is an Atheist argument which explains why the existence of suffering is a problem when considering the existence of God. It states that God cannot exist if suffering does, that means he can't exist.
12 of 20
What is evil?
The opposite of good, a force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against god.
13 of 20
What is the difference between a 'personal being' and a 'psychologcial phenomenon'
Personal Being - the idea that evil is an evil spirit or devil rather than an impersonal force. Psychological Phenomenon - An idea about the nature of evil that it is something arising from the mind of a person.
14 of 20
Explain the nature of evil.
An impersonal force that draws people into doing wrong. A personal being causes people to sin, the opposite of God who is all good. A psycological phenomenon - Influenced by a person's upbringing or society in general. e.g media.
15 of 20
What is the problem of evil?
St Thomas Aquinas admitted that the existence of evil was the best argument against the existence of God.
16 of 20
What answers do believers give to the problem of evil
1. God gave people freewill. 2. He didn't want to use his omnipotence to force people into acting wisely.
17 of 20
What does Micah 6:8 Say? A*
He has showed you, O man, what is Good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
18 of 20
How do Christians explain evil?
Christians believe everything God made was perfect, evil came into the world as a result of 'the fall' . When people disobey God's laws, evil results, people need rescuing from sin. Jesus was the 'second' adam.
19 of 20
How do christians respond to evil?
Christian pray, as Jesus commanded Christians to love God and their neighbour, they must 'turn the other cheek'. The 'lord's' prayer says that people must forgive others so god can forgive them.
20 of 20

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Why is suffering a problem?

Back

Suffering raises problems for theists, who believe that God is benevolent (all loving), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent (all powerful).

Card 3

Front

Define Responsibility

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What are the differences between natural and manmade suffering?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How would a believer respond to natural suffering?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Philosophy and ethics resources »