What is the problem of evil?

According to many passages in the Bible, God is said to be omnibenevolent (all-loving), omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing). Evidence of evil in our world is abundant, with moral evil taking the form of murders, theft and other acts performed by humans, while natural evil materialises in natural disasters, cancerous tumours and other naturally-occurring things.
The problem of evil threatens the Judeo-Christian concept of God, as it is said that if God has all of the omni-qualities, He would have the knowledge, power and love to stop evil as He would not want His creation to suffer. As there is still evil in the world, it seems that God is not stopping the evil. The problem states that either God does not exist, or He does not possess all of the omni-qualities.
The problem has been responded to using defences of God as well as theodicies - not necessary but definitely impressive to add if possible.
1) Show understanding of key termsWho is the Judeo-Christian God? - omnibenevolent, omniscient, omnipotentWhat is evil? Moral evil = human actions, natural evil = natural disasters, disease etc. Examples are important. 2) What is the problem? The problem of evil: If God is omnibenevolent, i.e. all loving, and omnipotent, i.e. all powerful, then He/She would not not want there to be evil in the world. They would also be able to stop it. Therefore, the problem of evil suggests that the Judeo-Christian God is unable to coexist with evil in the world, or does not possess all of the omni-qualities.

Related Religious Studies GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Does a foetus have a right to life?


How do you use 90mins to write 6 short essays? It is very difficult as i always run out of time.


State one advantage of Religious Pluralism (6).


What is Act Utilitarianism? Explain how act utilitarianism is at odds with the idea that individuals have rights.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy