Christian Beliefs & Teachings: Evil & Suffering (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity): Flashcards
Exam code: 1RA0
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Define omnipotent.
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Define omnipotent.
Omnipotent means all-powerful. Christians believe God created the world and brought about the resurrection of Jesus.
How do Christians believe God shows that he is omnibenevolent?
God sacrificed his own son for humanity, which shows that he loves all human beings without exception.
True or False?
Christians believe that because God is just, he never forgives.
False.
Christians believe God is fair to all and forgives those who say sorry for their actions.
Define omniscient.
Omniscient means all-knowing: Christians believe God knows every person’s inner thoughts and all that has happened and will happen.
Christians believe God is ________________ because he does not live and die as humans do, and complete understanding of him is beyond the human intellect.
Christians believe God is transcendent because he does not live and die as humans do, and complete understanding of him is beyond the human intellect.
What do Christians mean when they say God is immanent?
They mean God interacts with the world, for example by sending Jesus to earth, and today works miracles and answers prayers.
Define inconsistent triad.
The inconsistent triad presents the problem of evil as three ideas (God is omnipotent, God is omnibenevolent, evil exists), of which only two can be true.
True or False?
Some people see the existence of evil as evidence that the God of Christianity does not exist.
True.
Because evil clearly exists, they argue that God is either not all-powerful, not all-loving or does not exist at all.
Why is the existence of evil and suffering a problem for Christians?
Christians believe God would not want anything in his Creation to suffer, yet evil and suffering do exist in the world.
Define natural evil.
Natural evil is suffering in the world that has nothing to do with humans, such as natural disasters or famine.
Define moral evil.
Moral evil is suffering in the world that humans cause, such as murder or war.
How can moral evil affect natural evil?
Moral evil can make natural evil worse.
Most religions teach that people should _______ moral evil and try to minimise the impact of natural evil.
Most religions teach that people should oppose moral evil and try to minimise the impact of natural evil.
According to some people, what causes suffering if God gives humans free will?
Some people say that the choices people make cause suffering.
Define theodicy.
A theodicy is an argument that tries to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with an all-loving and all-powerful God.
How does free will explain the existence of moral evil?
God gave humans free will, accepting that they would sometimes make the wrong choices, and these wrong choices are moral evil.
True or False?
Augustine believed that God created humans with a sinful nature.
False.
Augustine believed God created all humans perfect and gave them free will, but they used it to turn away from God and choose sin.
Augustine stated that the definition of evil is the "____________ of good".
Augustine stated that the definition of evil is the "privation of good".
Why does Augustine’s theodicy allow God to be omnibenevolent?
God is not responsible for creating evil, because evil does not exist as an entity; it is the absence of good.
According to Augustine, why did God send Jesus Christ?
God predicted the fall of humanity, so he sent Jesus so that humanity could reconcile with God.
Define Vale of Soul-Making.
The Vale of Soul-Making is John Hick’s response that evil and suffering are part of God’s long-term plan: the world is a place for humans to develop their souls through testing.
True or False?
In the Old Testament, Job loses his faith after Satan tests him.
False.
Although Job began to question God’s goodness, he defended God to his friends, and God then blessed him.
What is the moral of the story of Job?
The story of Job teaches that suffering can make people stronger and help them appreciate the life they have.
What do the Psalms teach about suffering?
The Psalms teach that suffering is part of life, that joy and suffering cannot exist without each other, and that suffering can bring Christians closer to God.
Define intercessory prayer.
Intercessory prayers are prayers asking for God’s help for people in need.
True or False?
Christians believe that an unanswered prayer shows God has no plan.
False.
Christians believe that even when prayers go unanswered in the way they hoped, God has a plan and there will be a reason for this.
How does the existence of suffering give Christians an opportunity?
Suffering makes it possible for humans to help those in need, with Jesus as a role model for how to treat others.
Chad Varah established the _____________ after witnessing suffering in his community as a priest working in London.
Chad Varah established the Samaritans after witnessing suffering in his community as a priest working in London.
How did Jesus teach that Christians can fight evil?
Jesus taught that people can fight evil by feeding the hungry and healing the sick, which Christians follow today through food banks, charity donations and medical work.
What do Christians believe will happen to those who help others in need?
Christians believe that those who show kindness and help others will receive a reward in heaven.
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