The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God

The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God

Problem of Evil and Suffering

The Problem of Evil and Suffering

• This is a theological and philosophical issue that questions the existence of a loving and righteous God in a world filled with evil and suffering.
• Christian responses often focus on the Fall of Man, Free Will, and God’s master plan (Divine Plan).

The Fall of Man

• According to the Genesis account, Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (often referred to as the Fall of Man) introduced sin and suffering into the world.
• This narrative suggests that suffering isn’t God-created but a consequence of human disobedience.

Free Will Defence

• Christians believe in free will, an ability that lets humans make their own decisions.
• Some argue that evil is a byproduct of free will, since people sometimes choose to do wicked things.

The Divine Plan

• Another response includes the idea of the divine plan, which maintains that God allows suffering as part of a greater plan beyond human comprehension.
• Some Christians believe that suffering can test and develop a person’s character.

God as Omnibenevolent and Omnipotent

• Christians believe that God is omnibenevolent (all-loving) and omnipotent (all-powerful).
• The coexistence of evil with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent deity (God) is often termed as theodicy.