3. God and the World: The Problem of Evil

Learners will study the challenge posed to religious belief by the problems of evil and suffering.

3.1 Content

• the problem of evil and suffering:
– different presentations
– theodicies that propose some justification or reason for divine action or inaction in the face of evil

3.2 Knowledge

• the problem of evil’s logical (the inconsistency between divine attributes and the presence of evil) and evidential (the evidence of so much terrible evil in the world) aspects
• Augustine’s use of original perfection and the Fall
• Hick’s reworking of the Irenaean theodicy which gives some purpose to natural evil in enabling human beings to reach divine likeness

3.3 Issues as the basis of exam questions

Learners should have the opportunity to discuss issues related to the problem of evil, including:
• whether or not Augustine’s view of the origins of moral and natural evils is enough to spare God from blame for evils in the world
• whether or not the need to create a ‘vale of soul-making’ can justify the existence or extent of evils
• which of the logical or evidential aspects of the problem of evil pose the greater challenge to belief
• whether or not it is possible to successfully defend monotheism in the face of evil

3.4 Suggested scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority

For reference, the ideas of Augustine and Hick listed above can be found in:
• Augustine, The City of God Part II
• Hick, J. Evil and the God of Love, Part IV

Learners will be given credit for referring to any appropriate scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority, however the following examples may prove useful:
• Genesis 2:4–25, 3:1–24
• Romans 5:12–13
• Augustine, ‘What is evil?’ in Davies, B. (2000) Philosophy of Religion: a guide and
anthology, Oxford University Press