the nature of god

• what does monotheism mean?

  belief in one god
• god is...

  omnipotent, omnibenevolent, just
• how do god's characteristics influence christians?

  to worship god- he is worthy of worship, want to thank him for creating everything, to have hope and forgiveness for sins- omnibenevolent so hope he will forgive, to be just in conduct reflecting the fact that god is a "god of justice"
• what is the problem of evil and suffering?

  questions raised about the nature of god- how can god be omniscient, omnipotent and omnibenevolent when evil and suffering exsists?
• how does the problem of evil and suffering challenge god's omnibenevolence?

  suggests that god is not all loving or does not care about his creation. challenges key christian belief that "god is love"
• how does the problem of evil and suffering challenge god's omnipotence?

  suggests that god isn't powerful enough to remove it. surely, if god could do anything, he would simply remove all evil and suffering?
• define theodicy

  a defence of god. how christians seek to reconcile their belief in god with the existence of evil and suffering
• what is the free will defence?

  moral evil is caused by human beings, who god has lovingly given free will
• what is john hick's evil and suffering are apart of god's plan defence?

  we need evil and suffering in order to become good. they both have instrumental value as they help us to grow as people. we would not be able to perform the good deeds needed to enter heaven if there was no evil and suffering- we develop compassion
• what is the defence that evil and suffering is caused by original sin?

  adam and eve misused free will by disobeying god. by doing this, they brought evil and suffering into the world. therefore, everyone is born sinful which is why their is a need for salvation