The Problem of Evil and Suffering

what is the problem of evil? Christian coping + behaviour Inconsistent triad: why are humanists not convinced by the theodicies? criticisms + open questions P1 S1.7 : The problem of evil and suffering Different types of evil / definitions : Theodicies : Christian theorestical responses non-religious responses to evil For monotheism: P1 S1.7 : The problem of evil and suffering 1. what is the problem of evil? 1.1. if god has all these attributes (omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omnisience) why does evil and suffering still exist 2. Inconsistent triad: 2.1. not all the statements can be true! 2.2. if god has all these amazing attributes then why does evil exist. 3. Different types of evil / definitions : 3.1. moral evil 3.1.1. human actions which cause suffering (e.g. murder, rape, stealing, war) 3.2. natural evil 3.2.1. natural features of the world which cause suffering and have nothing to do with human beings (e.g. earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, volcano eruptions) 3.3. original sin 3.3.1. Catholic Church teaches that all humans are born with original sin as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. This means that all humans are born with the urge to sin and disobey God. 3.4. freewill 3.4.1. Christianity teaches that God gave humans free will. This is the ability for humans to make their own decisions. It means that although God made a world and it was good , it is up to humans whether they choose to do good or bad deeds. 4. Theodicies : Christian theorestical responses 4.1. explaining why god allows evil to occur and why it does not contradict his characteristics 4.1.1. Augustine 4.1.1.1. Evil is caused by humans abusing their god given free will. It is therefore the consequence and punishment of sin. 4.1.2. Job 4.1.2.1. God's plan and reasons for allowing evil are beyond our understanding, therefore we must focus on... 4.1.3. Irenaus / John Hick 4.1.3.1. God does not stop evil and choses to allow it for a loving, good purpose (teaching us qualities of love, courage etc; helps us to appreciate good; tests and strengthens our faith) 5. For monotheism: 5.1. if god is omnibenevolent, he wants to abolish evil 5.2. if god is omnipotent, he is able to abolish evil 5.3. if god is omniscient, he knows about human suffering and how to stop it 5.4. but evil exists 5.5. non religious response to this 5.5.1. would draw the conclusion that, therefore, God does not exist (this is a powerful argument against God's existence) 6. non-religious responses to evil 6.1. humanism 6.1.1. do not believe evil is a punishment or test for people (do not believe in god or afterlife where a sanction or reward is given) 6.1.2. it us up to human beings to fight evil and make free choices 6.1.3. natural evil is part of life and how the world works; inevitable. it is part of evolution the world, we cannot do anything to prevent it. Evolution depends on irregularity and unpredictability which facilitates adaption and the survival of a species 6.1.4. evil will always exist, just to try help those that have been affected 6.2. egoism 6.2.1. only help others when it is our choice to, and it benefits us 7. criticisms + open questions 7.1. inconsistent triad 7.1.1. challenges the existence of god based on logic and observation of human suffering 7.1.2. proves that god is not one or more of the following ; omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omniscient (god might still exist) 7.2. does not explain natural evil 7.3. if god is omniscient, then he would know that humans would abuse their free will, so why did he still give us it? 7.4. why does free will have to lead to evil? Humans could choose to do good, so why don't they? Why does God allow humans to make evil choices + actions? 8. why are humanists not convinced by the theodicies? 9. Christian coping + behaviour