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How do Christians respond to the Problem of Evil?. Starter Why do we suffer? In your books try and write down different reasons why suffering might exist. What do you think a Christian might say?. WALT: know different examples of theodicies. Why does suffering exist?. Theodicy.
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How do Christians respond to the Problem of Evil? Starter Why do we suffer? In your books try and write down different reasons why suffering might exist. What do you think a Christian might say? WALT: know different examples of theodicies
Theodicy • Christians have always been concerned about the Problem of Evil. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does he let his worshippers suffer? • To try and explain this, Christians have come up with ways to justify God. • Each of these ways is known as a theodicy. This literally means “justification of God.” • In your books, write down what is meant by theodicy and then quarter what is left of your page.
Theodicies • There are many different theodicies. Below are four important ones. • Free Will: Christians argue that evil exists because God has given us free will. This means we can choose to act however we want to. Unfortunately, some people choose to act evilly. • God’s Eye View: this is the belief that what see as evil from our point of view is not really evil when it is seen from God’s. As humans we cannot ever really understand God’s plan. • Suffering is a Test: some people believe that God purposefully lets us suffer as a sort of test. How we respond shows what sort of a person we are and can affect our afterlife. • Suffering as Punishment: others believe that suffering exists as punishment for sins. This may be Original Sin, where Adam and Eve first disobeyed God by eating fruit from the forbidden Tree. This might be for general sins that we commit in every day life. TASK: In each quarter of your page draw a picture for each theodicy and explain it below. EXTENSION: how might each of these theodicies be criticised?