How do Christians respond to the problem of evil?

Theodicy

In this lesson you are going to learn:

• What is theodicy?• What are some forms of theodicy?

Christians believe God is:

• Omnipotent – all powerful

• Omniscient – all knowing

• Benevolent – all good/ kind

If God is all of these things...

... Why does he let us suffer?

Extra Keywords:

• Moral Evil – evils done by humans that cause suffering eg murder

• Natural Evil – evils that aren’t anyones fault, that cause suffering – eg earthquakes

• Theodicy – the way in which Christians explain why there is evil in a world created by an all good God

The problem outlined:If God is omniscient, he

must know that we suffer. If God is

omnipotent, he must be able to stop our

suffering easily. If God is benevolent, he must not

want us to suffer...

In conclusion – God cannot exist as well as evil

How do Christians respond to the problem of evil?

• Christians respond to the problem of evil through theodicy:

• You can’t have good without bad• Suffering is preparation for Heaven• Prayer and Service• Suffering is a mystery

You can’t have good without bad:

• If only good things existed, we would not appreciate that good – and wouldn’t know what bad actually was

• If bad didn’t exist, we wouldn’t be given the chance to ‘soul make’ and experience suffering as a test

• You need a balance of good and bad

Suffering is preparation for Heaven:

• What’s the point in Heaven if Earth is perfect?• We have to suffer to be worthy of Heaven –

why does someone deserve such paradise if they’ve not suffered?

• Things in this world can’t be perfect – due to the sin of humanity

Prayer and Service• If no evil existed – would

people still pray? Suffering reminds us that we’re not omniscient, and we still need (And rely on) God

• We need to pray to God to help those who suffer

• You could sit at home, watching day time TV – or you could be out helping those who suffer – suffering gives us a good chance to exercise our freewill in a loving way

Suffering is a mystery:• Suffering – like many things –

is something that humans cannot comprehend the meaning and purpose of

• We just need to accept that it’s part of Gods plan and put our trust in God

• Despite not understanding its worth – we need to help those who suffer as best as we can

Potential Exam Questions:• A) What is theodicy?• B) Do you think God allows us to suffer? Give two

reasons for your point of view• C) Explain how Catholics respond to the problem of

evil and suffering• D) ‘Evil and suffering in the world prove that God

does not exist’i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinionii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you

Plenary:

• Sum up the problem of evil in no less than 20 and no more than 40 words