The Problem of Evil & Suffering (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
The problem of evil and suffering
Evil and suffering exist in the world
Evil can be separated into two types: moral evil and natural evil
This can cause a problem for believers who try to reconcile the existence of evil with their faith in God
Both Christians and Muslims believe God is:
Omnipotent (all-powerful)
Omni-benevolent (all-loving)
Omniscient (all-knowing)
Therefore, evil should not exist
Because evil does exist, it leads to a number of possibilities
God is simply not powerful enough to stop evil
God does not know that it is happening
God simply does not love us enough to want to stop the evil
John Mackie expressed this philosophical “problem of evil” using the inconsistent triad, which states that because evil exists, one of the following must be true:
God is omnipotent but not omnibenevolent
God is omnibenevolent but not omnipotent
God does not exist
Christian attitudes to the problem of evil and suffering
Different Christian traditions offer different responses to the problem of evil and suffering
Free will
Christians believe God created humans with free will so they can choose how to live
This means people have the freedom to choose good but also the freedom to do evil
Many Christians argue that much suffering exists because humans misuse their free will
God provides clear guidance, such as the Ten Commandments and Jesus’s teachings, but does not force people to follow them
If God removed free will to prevent suffering, humans would no longer be genuinely free or capable of love
Original sin
Catholic teaching says suffering entered the world because of original sin
Adam and Eve’s disobedience affected the whole of humanity, giving people a natural tendency towards sin
Catholics believe humans often find it easier to choose wrong than right, but with God’s help, they can resist sin and do good
When Christians fail, they can seek forgiveness through prayer; Catholics may also use the sacrament of reconciliation (or confession) to ask for God’s forgiveness
Predestination and God’s plan
Most Christians reject the idea of fate and do not believe every detail of life is fixed
However, some Christian groups (such as Calvinists and some Lutheran traditions) believe in predestination, the idea that God has already chosen who will be saved
Even Christians who do not believe in predestination still believe God has a purpose for each person’s life
This plan may include suffering, but Christians are encouraged to trust God even when they do not understand his reasoning
Suffering as a way to develop spiritually
Many Christians believe suffering can help people grow spiritually and morally
Suffering can develop qualities such as compassion, courage and patience
It also gives Christians opportunities to follow Jesus’s example by showing love (agape), supporting the vulnerable and praying for those in need
Suffering can lead Christians to rely more deeply on God and strengthen their faith
Following Jesus’s example
Jesus’s life included suffering, especially in his death on the cross
Christians believe Jesus understands human suffering and is present with them in their difficulties
Suffering can therefore deepen a Christian’s relationship with Jesus, who willingly suffered to bring salvation
Christians respond to the suffering of others by offering practical help, comfort and prayer, following Jesus’s example
God’s plan and ultimate justice
Some Christians believe that although suffering is painful, God can bring good out of it in ways humans cannot yet see
They may say that God’s knowledge is beyond human understanding, so his reasons for allowing suffering may not be obvious
Christians believe that God will bring justice in the afterlife. Those who have suffered or stayed faithful during trials will be rewarded in heaven
Muslim attitudes to the problem of evil and suffering
Muslims face the question of evil and suffering by following the Islamic teaching that Allah is fully in control, yet humans are still responsible for their choices
Al-Qadr (predestination)
Al-Qadr is the belief that everything happens according to Allah’s will and knowledge
It is one of the Six Articles of Faith for Sunni Muslims and reflects the belief that Allah is all-powerful
Allah knows everything that has happened and everything that will happen, and nothing occurs outside his awareness
“Say, ‘Nothing will ever happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’” (Qur’an 9:51)
Free will (ikhtiyar)
Muslims also believe that humans must have free will. Without free will:
People would not be morally responsible
They could not be rewarded or punished
Their worship and submission to Allah would not be genuine
Free will allows Muslims to choose whether to follow Allah’s guidance or give in to Shaytan’s temptations
Allah allows people to choose their actions, but they must accept the consequences
“Whatever good happens to you is from Allah; whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.” (Qur’an 4:79)
Sunni and Shi’a perspectives
Many Sunni Muslims believe Allah has written down everything that will happen on the “Preserved Tablet”
Humans still make their own decisions, but Allah already knows the outcome because he created time itself
This means free will and Allah’s knowledge do not clash
Shi’a Muslims reject strict predestination
They believe in the idea of Bada, meaning Allah may change a person’s destiny depending on their choices
Allah remains fully powerful, but humans shape their own path through their behaviour, prayer and repentance
Evil and suffering as part of the test of life
Islam teaches that life on earth is a test, and suffering is part of that test
Hardship reveals the strength of a person’s faith, patience and trust in Allah
“We will certainly test you with fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give good news to those who are patient.” (Qur’an 2:155)
Muslims believe suffering can bring about good by helping believers to:
Grow in patience and resilience
Deepen their trust in Allah
Reflect on their actions and repent
Support and show compassion to others
Follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who faced hardship with dignity and perseverance
Judgement and ultimate justice
Muslims believe two angels record all good and bad actions throughout life
On the Day of Judgment, these actions will be used to determine whether a person goes to paradise or hell
Because Allah is perfectly just and merciful, Muslims trust that any suffering in this life will be compensated in the next
Worked Example
What is meant by predestination in Islam?
[2 marks]
Answer:
Predestination is the belief that everything that happens is known and willed by Allah, although humans still choose their own actions and are responsible for them.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Questions on the problem of evil and suffering are almost always linked to the previous topics on evil and suffering.
To prepare well, revise these three pages as a single group so you can:
Explain how moral evil, natural evil and suffering create a challenge for belief in God
Refer to free will, original sin and soul-making when giving Christian responses
Explain Al-Qadr, free will and testing when giving Muslim responses
This will help you answer both short questions and 15-mark evaluation questions with confidence, because the themes overlap and support one another.
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