Question

explain two ways christians respond to the problem of evil and suffering. in your answer refer to quotation from the Bible. please help! thanks in advance!! xxxx

Answer 1

Christians respond to the problem of evil and suffering through the concept of free will and the Irenaean theodicy, which sees suffering as a soul-making process. Biblical references include the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis and the development of character through suffering in Romans.

Step-by-step explanation:

Christian Responses to the Problem of Evil and Suffering

Christians have various ways of responding to the problem of evil and suffering. One approach is that of free will, where evil and suffering are a result of human choice rather than divine design. This concept of free will is reflected in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis, which tells the story of Adam and Eve making the choice to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, introducing sin into the world (Genesis 3:1-24). Another response is found in the book of Romans, where the Apostle Paul suggests that suffering can develop character and hope in individuals (Romans 5:3-5).

Additionally, some Christians adopt the Irenaean theodicy, posited by theologian Irenaeus, who proposed that suffering is allowed by God as a way to develop souls towards moral perfection. This is tied to the biblical concept of humans being created in God's image and growing towards spiritual maturity (Genesis 1:26). St. Augustine also offers a perspective by stating that evil is the absence of good, and that suffering is a consequence of free will and the Fall of Man (Romans 5:12).

Answer 2

I'm guessing you go to a Christian school, possibly Charter, not public? Romans 5:3-5 says "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

And in 1 Peter 5:10 it says "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Hope this helps you!