The Problem of Evil and Suffering

1
The Problem of Evil and Suffering

• How can we believe in God in a world which
  suffers?

2
What is EVIL?

• There are two types of evil
• Moral evil deliberately caused by humans e.g
  cruelty
• Natural evil things which happen accidentally
  such as earthquakes and floods.
• Many people think that the existence of evil and
  suffering in the world shows that there is no God
  or if he exists, he is unkind.

3
What about the tsunami where was God?
Cancer patients suffer many of whom are
innocent children why?
Why doesnt God stop evil people from committing
moral crimes?
4
What is the Fall?

• Christians say the world was made perfect but
  that the people disobeyed God.
• This is called THE FALL (Adam and Eve story)
• In the Bible God gave Man many opportunities to
  do the right thing
• But Man wasnt interested
• So suffering is a punishment for sin

5
Why does God allow suffering?

• FREE WILL was given by God but sometimes people
  do not use it wisely. Because he gave them
  freedom they have the opportunity to make wrong
  choices and this is when we see evil and
  suffering!

6
Why do we need evil or suffering?

• Bravery We would not be brave unless there was
  danger
• Human emotion We need to develop our selves as
  humans and have lots of experiences
• Generosity We couldnt be generous unless there
  were people in need
• Patience We learn this from waiting

7
Religious faith

• Some people say that suffering is a kind of test
  for God to see how people will respond.
• Others disagree and say God knows everything He
  doesnt need to test us
• Others say the test is for us

8
Do you agree that suffering is part of a higher
plan?

• I is said that God has a plan for us but we do
  not always know this.
• He is a higher being and we may not understand
  this plan.
• God can see everything in perspective - the
  bigger view- and therefore we should not question
  his plans. Sometimes we have to accept that
  suffering is part of this plan.

9
Does the devil exist?

• Evil and suffering are the work of the Devil or
  Satan.
• They encourage wrong doing and cause natural
  disasters.
• However, some say that the Devil cannot exist
  otherwise God isnt all powerful

10
Christian and Muslim attitudes towards suffering
and evil

• Christian
• Suffering is a test of faith
• Suffering is a punishment for sin
• Suffering is part of Gods plan
• God gave us free will to use as we wish
• Acts of nature that God allows to happen

• Muslim
• Suffering is a test for the next life (This is
  not the only life, there is a better and more
  lasting life to come)
• Allah has a plan (Good can come from suffering
• Humans have free will