What is the fundamental Problem of Evil?

The fundamental heart of the Problem of Evil is the apparent inconsistency between how we see God and the existence of evil and suffering in the world.

God is seen as omni-benevolent, all-loving, and as omni-potent, all-powerful. The fact that evil exists means that either God is not willing to save us from evil - he is not omni-benevolent - or he is not able to save us from evil - he is not omni-potent. This problem is known as the Inconsistent Triad.

Either interpretation is not consistent with the traditional view of God, and so theories have to be formed to defend God in the face of this problem. These theories are known as theodicies.

TH

Related Religious Studies GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain two Christian beliefs about the ascension of Jesus. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer.


‘The death penalty (capital punishment) should never be used.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to religious arguments in your answer.


How do world religions argue for an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God despite of the problem of evil and suffering?


How would belief in God affect an individual's attitude towards the environment?