Catholic response

• God has given people free will - shown people how they should obey Ten Commandments and follow Jesus’ life and teaches = up to humans to decide to follow God’s instructions.
• God has plan for people’s lives, they may not always understand, like evil and suffering, should trust and have faith in God’s plan (God will never give more suffering than can cope with).
• God wants people to follow example of Jesus and help those suffering - Gid must have reason for allowing evil and suffering, but reason = beyond human understanding.
• Suffering held humans understand Jesus - he chose endure pain and suffering for greater good.
• For many, suffering = way to bring closer to an understanding of suffering if Jesus and way to bring about greater good.
• Catholics pray for those who suffer and try help them.
• Believe evil and suffering in this life = preparation for Heaven
• Evil and suffering gives chance to become better people and improve soul - believe God will reward them in heaven.
• Catholics…

  • pray for those who suffer and help them
  • educate others
  • donate / raise money - CAFOD
• Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel message.
• Jesus’ examples show Catholics should treat others with love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness.
• Jesus spoke about justice telling his followers about God’s punishment for wrongdoers in the next life.
• Any punishment should be to help the person reform.