Table of Contents
What is the problem with evil and suffering?
This suggests that, because evil and suffering clearly exist in the world, either God does not exist or he cannot be omnibenevolent, omnipotent and omniscient. Some religious people find that when they experience evil and suffering, it can present a challenge to their faith. They may reject religion as a result.
What is the conclusion of the argument from evil?
Our topic today is the argument from evil. This is by far the most important argument for the conclusion that God does not exist. The aim of at least the simplest form of this argument is to show that the existence of evil in the world shows that God does not exist.
What’s the purpose of suffering?
Suffering can make us more resilient, better able to endure hardships. Just as a muscle, in order to build up, must endure some pain, so our emotions must endure pain in order to strengthen.
Why is the existence of evil and suffering important to Christians?
The existence of evil and suffering is important because it can cause problems for Christians’ belief in God. God is described as all-loving, as stated in Psalms 103:8: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.
What are the different types of evil and suffering?
Various types of evil and suffering are evident in the world. This can cause problems for many Christians, as they believe in a loving, powerful and all-knowing God. Moral evil and suffering – this is suffering caused by the actions of humans. Examples include acts of murder, and war.
Why did God not create the world without evil and suffering?
Some Christians therefore wonder why he did not create the universe without this potential for evil and suffering. This suggests that, because evil and suffering clearly exist in the world, either God does not exist or he cannot be omnibenevolent, omnipotent and omniscient.
Why does suffering exist?
Suffering exists because humans wished to experience a world that was opposite from what God intended, a world in which evil was possible as well as good (Sharpe, Ch.9, 2015). In his love, he allowed humans to have free will (Sharpe, Ch.9, 2015). Humanity could choose to serve God or to love and serve ourselves (Lecture 6, 2017).