Hi, my name is Miss Minton and welcome to this Christianity:Beliefs lesson on the problem of evil and suffering.

Now, by the end of this lesson, you'll be able to explain the problem of evil and how Christians might respond to and be influenced by evil and suffering.

Now, some of our learning today will be new to you, but we'll also be drawing upon knowledge of God's nature such as God as omnipotent and God as omnibenevolent.

Now, our key words for this lesson are evil, omnibenevolent, omnipotent, and suffering.

Evil is the opposite of good, and it's a cause of suffering that is against the will of God.

omnibenevolent refers to the belief that God is all good or all loving.

Omnipotent refers to the belief that God is all powerful, and suffering is an effect of evil, and it refers to undergoing pain and hardship.

Now, our lesson today will have three parts.

We'll start by looking at the problem of evil and suffering.

We'll then move on to look at the Christian responses to the problem of evil.

And finally, we'll look at how the responses influence Christians.

So let's get started and take a look at the problem of evil and suffering.

Now what you can see here is a statement that says the world is perfect.

Now, using this scale of one to 10, one being strongly disagree and 10 being strongly agree, I would like you to discuss or think about how far you agree or disagree with the statement that the world is perfect.

So pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me or have a think to yourself.

Off you go.

So whilst you were thinking about this statement or discussing it with a partner, you might have started to realise that it would actually be really difficult to strongly agree and say that the world is perfect.

And that's because although there are many wonderful things about our world, our world also contains a lot of evil and suffering.

Now, as humans we are aware of evil and suffering because we see it and we experience it in our own lives.

This evil that we see and experience might be a result of the natural world around us, which is known as natural evil, or it might be a result of human action, which is known as moral evil.

Now, I'd like you to pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me, or have a think to yourself.

Can you think of any examples of natural and moral evil? So can you think of any examples that are caused by nature or any examples that are caused by humans? Off you go.

So when considering examples of natural evil, you might have thought of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, or hurricanes.

And when considering examples of moral evil, you may have thought of murder, theft, assault, and bullying.

Now, what we can see from these examples is that natural evil are things that cause suffering as a result of the natural world around us.

These are things that humans don't have control over.

Whereas when we look at the examples of moral evil, we can see that those things cause suffering directly as a result of human action.

So because of the choices that humans have made.

So let's check your understanding.

Which of the following best describes moral evil? a, evil and suffering caused by the natural world, b, evil and suffering caused by God, or c, evil and suffering caused by humans.

Well done, the correct answer is c.

Moral evil is evil and suffering that's caused by humans.

Now, when we are looking at the problem of evil and suffering, we are referring to the questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.

Now, an ancient Greek philosopher named Epicurus said this.

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but is not able? Then he's not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing? Then he's malevolent, which means he wishes to do evil." So let's check your understanding.

Questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises is known as, a, the problem of God's nature, b, the problem of evil and suffering, or c, the problem of sin.

Fantastic, the correct answer is b.

Questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises is known as the problem of evil and suffering.

Well done.

Now, Epicurus ideas were later formulated into what's known as the inconsistent triad.

And the inconsistent triad contains three propositions about God and the world.

And these are God is omnibenevolent, God is omnipotent and evil exists.

Now, I'd like you to pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me, or have a think to yourself.

Why do you think that this is known as the inconsistent triad? Off you go.

So this is known as the inconsistent triad because these three things are inconsistent with one another.

So in other words, these three things don't make sense together.

And this is because if God is omnibenevolent, he would want to stop evil.

If God was omnipotent, he'd have the ability to stop evil.

But evil still exists, and we know this because we see evil and we experience evil in our own lives.

Now, some people may argue that the existence of evil means that if God does exist, it's not possible to describe God as omnipotent or omnibenevolent, or either of these things.

Some people might also question whether God is righteous or whether he's just for allowing people to suffer.

And this problem might even cause Christians to question their faith or even doubt God's existence.

So let's check your understanding.

Which characteristics of God does the problem of evil question? a, omnipotence, b, omnipresence, c, omniscience, or d, omnibenevolence.

You can select two correct answers.

Fantastic, the correct answers are a and d.

So the problem of evil questions God's omnipotence and his omnibenevolence, well done.

It's now time for you to have a go at a task.

I would like you to use the diagram as a prompt to explain what the problem of evil and suffering is and how the inconsistent triad demonstrates this.

So pause the video and have a go.

Well done for your work during that task.

So you were asked to use the diagram as a prompt to explain what the problem of evil and suffering is and how the inconsistent triad demonstrates this.

And your answer might be similar to this.

The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions or doubts about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.

The inconsistent triad demonstrates the problem of evil and suffering by referring to the Christian belief that God is omnipotent and omnibenevolent, and shows that these two characteristics of God are inconsistent with the existence of evil and suffering in the world.

The inconsistent triad highlights that evil and suffering could mean that either God is not all loving, not or powerful or possibly neither of these things.

The inconsistent triad can also be used to question whether God exists at all.

So well done for your work explaining what the problem of evil and suffering is and how the inconsistent triad demonstrates this.

We're now moving on to the second part of our lesson, which is to look at Christian responses to the problem of evil.

Now, David is Christian and he says, "I know that evil and suffering exists in the world, and I have experienced this in my own life.

However, this has not changed my beliefs about God.

Even though I've gone through difficult times, I still believe that God is omnipotent and omnibenevolent." Now, just like David, most Christians agree that the existence of evil and suffering does not mean that God is not all powerful or all loving.

Now, many Christians defend God's nature and his existence through the following arguments.

Suffering is a result of humans' own free will.

Suffering is a test from God and it's part of God's plan.

And suffering is allowed because it helps humans become better people.

Now, Christians may refer to one of these arguments or even all of them when defending God's nature and God's existence.

Now, I'd like you to pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me, or have a think to yourself, how might Christians interpret this particular passage to show that humans were created with free will? Off you go.

So in this passage, God gives Adam a command to follow, and that implies that humans must have free choice.

If humans didn't have choice over their actions, there would be no need for God to have given this command.

Now, many Christians believe that when Adam and Eve misused their free will and they disobeyed God, they upset the balance and harmony in the world and that this introduced moral and natural evil.

And since Adam and Eve, humans have continued to abuse their free will, which continues to cause moral evil.

So let's check your understanding.

Which source of authority can be used to suggest that evil is a result of the misuse of free will? a, Exodus, b, Leviticus, or c, Genesis.

Fantastic, the correct answer is c, the source of authority that can be used to suggest that evil is the result of a misuse of free will is Genesis.

Well done.

Now as well as the free will argument, some Christians may also argue that suffering is a test from God, and this idea that suffering is a test from God is highlighted in the Book of Job.

Now, in the story of Job, Job is a righteous man who is dedicated to God, but Satan claims that he's only dedicated to God because God has protected him and given him everything that he has.

The Book of Job 1 says this, "Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him.

He's blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything that he has? You have blessed the work of his hands so that his flock and herds are spread throughout the land, but now stretch your hand out and strike everything he has and he will surely curse you to your face." The Lord said to Satan, "Very well then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself, do not lay a finger."" The story then continues with God testing Job and allowing him to experience many misfortunes.

And these include the loss of his money, the loss of his livestock, and even the death of his family members.

But finally, the story ends with Job declaring his faith in God, and his faith that God can do all things and that he must trust in God's plan.

The Book of Job 42 says this, "Then Job replied to the Lord, "I know that you can do all things, no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

You asked, "Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand.

Things too wonderful for me to know." You said, "Listen now and I will speak.

I will question you and you shall answer me.

My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.

Therefore, I despise myself and repent in the dust and the ashes."" So let's check your understanding.

How do many Christians interpret the story of Job? a, that suffering is a test from God, b, that suffering is a punishment for sin, or c, that suffering is out of God's control.

Well done, the correct answer is a, many Christians interpret the story of Job to show that suffering is a test from God.

Now as well as using the argument of free will and the story of Job to defend the nature of God, Christians may also respond to the problem of evil by saying that evil exists in the world in order to provide opportunities for humans to become better people.

Now, I'd like you to pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me or have a think to yourself.

How is it possible for God to allow evil for this reason and still be omnibenevolent? Off you go.

So some Christians may argue that God allows suffering to exist because it's for the greater good, and that God's love can be seen in the positive outcome that suffering can bring.

Now this idea is known as the veil of soul making, and it's an argument that defends God's nature and attempts to justify the existence of evil and suffering.

Now, this argument was first put forward by philosopher Irenaeus and it was later developed by philosopher John Hick.

Now John Hick argued that evil and suffering helps humans grow into the likeness of God.

So through enduring suffering and through going through difficult times, humans can become more like God and gain more qualities that are similar to the qualities that God has.

So let's check your understanding.

True or false? Some Christians believe that God's love can be seen through suffering.

Well done, that statement is true.

But why is that statement true? Well, it's because some Christians believe that God allows suffering out of love, and this is so humans can grow and develop into better people through their experience of suffering.

So well done for identifying that that statement was true, and for identifying the reason why.

It's now time for you to have a go at a task.

I would like you to explain two Christian beliefs about the existence of evil and suffering, and I'd like you to refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief in your answer.

Now, a good technique when responding to this task would be to use point, develop, point, develop.

And within this you should link to a relevant source and explain what that source teaches in relation to the point that you've given.

Now, this source could be a quotation or it could be a general belief or teaching.

So pause the video and have a go.

Well done for your work during task.

So you were asked to explain two Christian beliefs about the existence of evil and suffering, and your answer might be similar to this.

One Christian belief about the existence of evil and suffering is that it's a result of human action.

In the creation story in Genesis, God created humans to have free will, and many Christians believe that evil and suffering is a result of the misuse of free will.

Another Christian belief about the existence of evil and suffering is that it can bring about good.

Some Christians believe that when we suffer, we should use this as an opportunity to grow as a person and take positive action.

So well done for your work explaining two Christian beliefs about the existence of evil and suffering.

We're now moving on to the third and final part of our lesson, which is to look at how the responses influence Christians.

Now, Danielle believes that one of the reasons for the existence of evil is the misuse of free will.

Now, I'd like you to pause the video and either talk to a partner, talk to me, or have a think to yourself, how might this belief influence the way that Danielle behaves? Off you go.

So Danielle explains how this belief influences the way that she behaves.

And she says, "I believe that the misuse of free will is to blame for the existence of evil, not God.

This belief influences me to carefully consider my actions and make sure that I'm always using my gift of free will in a way that God would want me to." So let's check your understanding.

Give one way the misuse of free will might influence a Christian? a, to behave however they like because God will forgive them, b, limit actions in fear of doing the wrong thing, c, carefully consider actions and behaviour, or d, behave recklessly.

Fantastic, the correct answer is c.

One of the ways that the misuse of free will might influence a Christian is to carefully consider their actions and their behaviour.

I'd now like you to pause the video again, but this time I would like you to talk to a partner or have a think to yourself.

How might the story of Job influence a Christian when they are facing evil and suffering? Now, as part of your discussion or your thoughts, I'd like you to consider how it might influence their thoughts behaviour and actions.

Off you go.

So as part of your discussion about how the story of Job may influence a Christian who's facing suffering, you may have considered some of these ideas.

That they might place their trust in God because that's what Job did, that they might pray to God, that they might have faith and hope in God's plan, or that they might persevere through the difficult times and try to not let those difficulties get them down.

Now Asher explains what the story of Job teaches him.

He says, "I believe that the story of Job teaches that suffering can be a test from God.

This influences me to trust in God even when I'm going through a difficult time.

I believe that if I place my trust in God and do not question his plan, I'll be rewarded for my faithfulness." Now in the story of Job, Job is rewarded with blessings, wealth, and a long life.

And many Christians today interpret the reward for enduring suffering and trusting in God as being eternal life in heaven.

So let's check your understanding.

True or false? The story of Job can influence Christians to place their trust in God and God's plan.

Fantastic, that statement is true, but why is that statement true? Well, it's because in the story of Job, Job is rewarded for his trust and his faith in God.

And this shows Christians that if they remain faithful to God too, even during difficult times, they will also be rewarded.

So well done for identifying that that statement was true and for identifying the reason why.

Now many Christians can also use evil and suffering as an opportunity to develop positive qualities and characteristics.

And Fiona explains how she does this.

She says, "The problem of evil and suffering in the world influences me to try and become a better person.

I believe that I can use suffering to grow closer to the kind of person God wants me to be.

I use evil and suffering as an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God through prayer and to show compassion and empathy to others and display this through acts of charity." So let's check your understanding.

Which of the following is not an example of how suffering can influence a Christian to become a better person? a, showing compassion through acts of charity, b, strengthening their relationship with God through prayer, c, feeling bitter and resentful, or d, developing feelings of empathy towards others.

Well done, the correct answer is c, Feeling bitter and resentful is not an example of how suffering can influence a Christian to become a better person, well done.

It's now time for you to have a go at a task.

Lucas has started to plan how he would respond to the statement below.

I'd like you to help Lucas by completing the table that's on the next slide and add further supporting and contrasting arguments about the statement.

The statement is, God would not allow suffering if he was all loving, and you need to evaluate this statement.

Now, good exam technique in your response would be to include the following.

Refer to a Christian teaching, give reasoned arguments to support this statement, give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view and reach a justified conclusion.

But for the purpose of this task and helping Lucas to plan his answer, I would like you to focus on referring to a Christian teaching, giving a reasoned argument to support the statement and a reasoned argument to support a different point of view.

So here is the start of Lucas's plan.

He says, "To support the statement, evil and suffering are inconsistent with the Christian belief that God is all loving.

If God loved humans, he would stop evil and suffering.

To oppose the statement Lucas has said, "Suffering is a result of the misuse of free will, including the sin of Adam and Eve, and the misuse of free will by humans sins." Now you can complete the table by adding further supporting and opposing arguments about the statement.

Off you go.

Well done for your work during that task.

So you were asked to help Lucas finish his plan responding to the statement that God would not allow suffering if he was all loving.

Now, your response might be similar to this.

Supporting the statement you may have said that the existence of both moral and natural evil in the world show that there is too much evil for God to be described as loving.

And against the statement you may have said that God may allow suffering to help humans develop and become better people, or he might use it as a test of faith like in the story of Job.

So well done for your work helping Lucas finish his plan responding to the statement.

We've now reached the end of our lesson on the problem of evil and suffering.

But before we finish up, let's recap today's lesson.

So we've learned that there are two types of evil and suffering, that's moral evil and natural evil.

And that the problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God's nature that the existence of evil raises.

We've also looked at how the inconsistent triad represents evil as being inconsistent with God as omnipotent and omnibenevolent, and how evil and suffering can cause somebody to doubt God, but that many Christians believe that God is still omnipotent and omnibenevolent even though evil exists.

And finally, we've looked at how many Christians refer to the story of Job, the Book of Genesis, and the positive influence that suffering can have in order to defend God's nature.

Well done for all of your work.

This lesson has been wonderful learning with you.