Year 10 - Religious education
The problem of evil
Christian beliefs
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will begin their study of Christianity by examining some of the key beliefs of this worldview. They will focus on concepts of God, Trinity, Creation and the story and role of Jesus as incarnation and means of salvation.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the problem of evil and the divergent responses offered as solutions to the problem of evil.
Key Notes
- For Christians, beliefs about God come from the Bible which teaches that God is just, (omni)benevolent and omnipotent.
- The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.
- Many Christians defend God's nature through Biblical, theoretical and practical solutions and responses.
- Solutions to the problem of evil can offer Christians reassurance of God's nature, provide comfort and encourage action.
Vocabulary To Learn
- evil: the opposite of good; a cause of suffering and against the will of God
- (omni)benevolent: the belief that God is 'all loving'
- omnipotent: the belief that God is 'all powerful'
- suffering: an effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The existence of evil and suffering proves that God does not exist.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
For Christians, beliefs about God come from the Bible which teaches that God is just, (omni)benevolent and omnipotent. The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'evil'
the opposite of good; a cause of suffering and against the will of God.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: The existence of evil and suffering proves that God does not exist. Correction: For Christians, there are a number of Biblical, theoretical and practical responses and solutions to the problem of evil.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Christ's resurrection and ascension Study Guide
- Christian eschatology: afterlife Study Guide
- Christian eschatology: judgement Study Guide
- Christian eschatology: resurrection Study Guide
- Interpreting Genesis Study Guide
- Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God Study Guide
- Nature and significance of the Trinity Study Guide
- Salvation and the role of Christ Study Guide
- The creation of the universe Study Guide
- The last days of Jesus' life Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.