Good and Evil

• Free will = the idea that God has granted humans the choice to make ethical decisions
• John Hick - Vale of Soul Making 


  God made us imperfect to make us stronger and learn from our mistakes. Suffering can lead to a strong and healthy soul
• Times all three of the Trinity were present was the Baptism of Jesus and Transfiguration
• What happened in the Council of Nicaea


  > After Constantine allowed Christianity, everyone had disputes of the idea of it

  > After a lot of argument, Constantine called for the council of 318 bishops to vote of the Trinity

  > Some still didn't agree and spread Arianism (Jesus is not God)
• What happened at the Council of Constantinople?


  > Took place as bishops still spread Arianism

  > Reaffirmed the Nicene Creed and that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human

  > Apollinaris thought Jesus was neither divine or a person

  > St Gregory of Nazianzus and St Athanasius thought Jesus=God as he died for our sins
• St Augustine - Trinity of Love


  Sees the trinity equal to it as someone needs to love, one needs to receive and love itself:

  Father - Love

  Son - Lover

  Holy Spirit - Beloved
• Why does the world contain so much evil if God is all good, all powerful, and all loving?

  Humans have free will to choose good or evil, causing suffering when they choose evil.
• What is the concept of original sin in Christianity?

  Original sin refers to the introduction of pain and suffering into the world due to Adam and Eve's actions.
• According to St Augustine, how does evil help us appreciate the good?

  St Augustine – Enchiridion – Evil helps us appreciate the good and God allows suffering because he is good as it brings out a greater good and suffering can be beneficial
• What does St Irenaeus and John Hick's Vale of Soul Making suggest about evil?

  It suggests that evil exists to help humans grow and and have a healthier soul. This explains why God allows natural evil​.
• How do Jews view the concept of original sin?

  Jews do not believe in original sin and think people are born with the inclination to do good and evil.
• Hume - Inconsistent triad

  Hume argues that if God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent, then evil should not exist, leading to questions about God's existence or worthiness of worship.
• What is Mackie's argument about the necessity of evil?


  Mackie argues that evil is not necessary for appreciating good and questions why God didn't create humans perfect from the start.
• How do Catholics respond to suffering according to the story of Job?

  Catholics believe they should trust God even if they do not understand their suffering, as exemplified by Job's faith.
• How do Jews interpret the story of Job in relation to suffering?

  Jews interpret Job's story to understand that they cannot always comprehend God's plan.
• What is the Christian belief about the Trinity?

  The Trinity is the belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (also called the TRIUNE GOD)
• What does the Nicene Creed summarize?

  The Nicene Creed summarizes Christian belief about the Trinity and the roles of each person.
• How is the Trinity reflected in Catholic practices?

  The Trinity is reflected in the sign of the cross, the Nicene Creed, and the Eucharistic prayer.
• How did St Augustine describe the Trinity?

  St Augustine described the Trinity in terms of love: lover, beloved, and love itself.
• What does the term 'Incarnation' mean in Christianity?

  Incarnation means enfleshment, referring to God becoming human in Jesus.
• What does the kenosis hymn describe about Jesus?

  The kenosis hymn describes Jesus emptying himself of some divine attributes when he became human.
• How do Jews view the concept of Jesus' divinity?

  Jews do not accept that Jesus was God as it challenges their belief in the oneness of God.
• What does Jesus' incarnation demonstrate about God?

  Jesus' incarnation shows God's goodness and understanding of human suffering.
• What is the significance of Salvifici Doloris by St Pope John Paul II?

  It discusses the saving power of suffering and how it helps humans understand God's love.
• What moral teachings did Jesus emphasize?

  Jesus emphasized the Golden Rule and the Beatitudes.
• How did Jesus change aspects of Jewish law?

  Jesus fulfilled and developed aspects of Jewish law, such as teaching against anger and promoting reconciliation.
• What is Natural Law according to Thomas Aquinas?

  That there is a natural order to the world and that natural order has been designed by God.
• What is the role of conscience in moral decision-making for Catholics?

  Conscience is the mind making moral decisions, and Catholics have an obligation to follow it.
• How do virtues relate to suffering in Catholic belief?

  Virtues are moral habits that help people lead a good life and challenge selfishness.
• What is the purpose of statues in Catholic Churches?

  Statues serve as a focus for prayer and reminders of the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus.
• What is the significance of pilgrimage in Catholicism?

  Pilgrimage strengthens faith, allows prayer for special intentions, and fosters community among believers.
• What is the purpose of the rosary in Catholic practice?


  The rosary is a set of beads used to concentrate on prayers and reflect on important events in Jesus and Mary's lives.
• What are the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary?

  The Sorrowful Mysteries include events like the Agony in the Garden and Jesus' crucifixion, helping Catholics meditate on his suffering.
• What are the key beliefs regarding good, evil, and suffering in Christianity?

  • Free will allows humans to choose good or evil.
  • Original sin introduced suffering into the world.
  • Evil helps appreciate good and can lead to growth.
  • Suffering can be a means to understand God's love.
• What are the main components of the Trinity in Christianity?

  • One God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
  • Each person is distinct yet fully God.
  • Reflected in the Nicene Creed and Catholic practices.
• How does the concept of Incarnation relate to Jesus in Christianity?

  • Incarnation means God becoming flesh in Jesus.
  • Jesus is fully human and fully divine.
  • Demonstrates God's goodness and understanding of human suffering.
• What moral teachings did Jesus emphasize in his ministry?

  • The Golden Rule: love one another.
  • The Beatitudes: blessings for the marginalized.
  • Fulfillment and development of Jewish law.
• What is the significance of pilgrimage and the rosary in Catholic practice?

  • Pilgrimage strengthens faith and fosters community.
  • The rosary aids in prayer and reflection on Jesus and Mary's lives.
  • Sorrowful Mysteries help meditate on Jesus' suffering.
• What does the Pieta represent in Catholic belief?


  The Pieta represents Mary's acceptance of Jesus' suffering and her compassion as a mother.

  
• Aquinas' 5 Primary Precepts of Natural Law:

  • Have children
  • Worship God
  • Educate children
  • Live in an ordered way