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Year 8 - Religious education

Job and suffering

Suffering: Can Christian theology overcome the problem of evil?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will examine the question of evil. They will look at various ways in which Christians have answered this question such as the existence of the devil, free will and the story of Job.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the story of Job and explain how Christians understand suffering through this story.

Key Notes

  • The book of Job in the Old Testament contains important teachings about evil and suffering for Christians.
  • Job is a righteous man and his suffering is not a result of personal sin.
  • The devil plays a role in Job's suffering, however, his suffering is ultimately a test from God.
  • Many Christians interpret the story of Job as suggesting that evil and suffering can be a test of faith.
  • Some Christians focus on God's power and control, and how God brings hope and restoration, shown in the story of Job.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • faith: believing in something strongly; complete trust or confidence in something
  • Job: a key figure in the Old Testament who is central in the Book of Job, which explores suffering, faith, and God's justice
  • suffering: the experience of pain or distress

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The story of Job shows that God causes suffering.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The book of Job in the Old Testament contains important teachings about evil and suffering for Christians. Job is a righteous man and his suffering is not a result of personal sin.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'faith'

believing in something strongly; complete trust or confidence in something.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: The story of Job shows that God causes suffering. Correction: For many Christians, the story of Job shows that Satan (the devil) is one cause of suffering, but that God may allow suffering to test humans, or for a greater purpose which may be a mystery to humans.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Religious education guide library.