Year 10 - Religious education
The problem of evil and suffering
Christianity: 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 how Christians might respond to and be influenced by evil and suffering.
Key Notes
- There are two types of evil and suffering in the world; moral and natural.
- The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.
- The inconsistent triad represents evil as inconsistent with God as omnipotent and (omni)benevolent.
- Many Christians believe that God is still omnipotent and (omni)benevolent even though evil exists.
- Many Christians view suffering as either a test, the result of free will or an opportunity to become a better person.
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 good" or "all loving"
- omnipotent: the belief that God is "all powerful"
- suffering: an effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Christians ignore the problem of evil and suffering.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
There are two types of evil and suffering in the world; moral and natural. 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: Christians ignore the problem of evil and suffering. Correction: Many Christians recognise the problem of evil and suffering in the world, and in their own lives, and respond to the problem by referring to teachings from the Bible.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Beliefs about the afterlife: heaven and hell Study Guide
- Beliefs about the afterlife: judgement Study Guide
- Beliefs about the afterlife: resurrection Study Guide
- Creation in Genesis Study Guide
- Different Christian interpretations of creation Study Guide
- Jesus as the incarnation Study Guide
- Means of salvation Study Guide
- Sin Study Guide
- The crucifixion of Jesus Study Guide
- The nativity and Jesus as the son of God Study Guide
- The nature of God Study Guide
- The resurrection and ascension Study Guide
- The role of Jesus in salvation Study Guide
- The Trinity Study Guide
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