Evil & suffering

• What does the word "good" mean?

  It varies by people's values and beliefs
• How is the concept of good generally interpreted?

  As things that are not evil or bad
• What are examples of good actions?

  • Caring for others
  • Helping others
  • Showing compassion to others
• What is the definition of evil?

  A cause of human suffering
• What are the two types of evil?

  1. Moral evil: acts considered morally wrong
  2. Natural evil: natural disasters like earthquakes
• What is one belief about the origin of evil?

  It has been present from the beginning
• How do most religions view moral evil?

  It should be opposed and minimized
• How do religions generally address suffering?

  They explain it and help people cope
• What difficult questions can suffering raise for religious people?

  Why does God allow suffering to happen?
• What is the punishment for Adam and Eve's actions?

  To endure suffering in life
• What is original sin?

  The tendency to sin inherited from Adam and Eve
• How do Christians view the power for evil?

  As Satan or the Devil
• What does Augustine's definition of evil state?

  Evil is the 'privation of good'
• How does Augustine's view allow for God's existence?

  God is not responsible for creating evil
• What are some questions Christians might ask about God in relation to suffering?

  Why doesn't God stop natural disasters?
• How do Christians respond to those who suffer?

  They pray and try to help them
• What does Christianity teach about suffering in relation to Heaven?

  Suffering prepares people for eternal reward
• What are the two main ways Christians respond to evil and suffering?

  Praying and helping
• What do Christians believe about praying in response to evil?

  They pray for God to remove evil or help bear it
• What does Christianity teach about judging moral evils?

  It teaches to trust God to punish actions
• How should Christians respond to those who are suffering?

  By following Jesus' example and helping
• What does the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats teach Christians?

  • Jesus rewards those who help others
  • Importance of caring for the suffering
  • Ignoring the needy is ignoring Jesus
• What does the Lord's Prayer teach Christians about forgiveness?

  To forgive others as they are forgiven