The Big Picture – GCSE Religious Studies A WJEC Revision

The big picture of good and evil:

Understanding Good and Evil

Many religions teach about the existence of good and evil in the world.
Different religions have different views on the origins of evil, with some seeing it as a result of human actions, while others believe there are supernatural forces at work.
In addition, religions often propose solutions to overcome evil and promote good, through moral codes, rituals, prayers, and promoting virtues such as compassion and love.

Many religions teach that humans have free will and are therefore morally responsible for their actions.
Free will means the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate. In other words, we can choose to do good or evil.
However, some religions also believe in predestination, which suggests that all events have been willed by God or a divine power.
There is often a tension between these two ideas in religious thought.

Religions often propose consequences for evil actions, both in this life and in the afterlife. These consequences are often referred to as punishment.
Concepts of punishment vary but can include karma in Hinduism and Buddhism, hell in Christianity and Islam, and the law of retribution in Judaism.
Religions often grapple with the question of why there is suffering in the world, especially if there is a good and all-powerful God. This is known as the problem of evil.

For many believers, faith and prayer are key tools in combating evil and promoting good.
Prayer can be seen as a means of seeking divine help or guidance to overcome evil.
Faith can be a source of strength and resolution to act in morally right ways, even in the face of temptation or adversity.
The concept of interfaith dialogue and cooperation is an important part of promoting good and combating evil in many religions.