The Problem of Suffering: Exploring the Existence of God

Question 1

Which statement offers a strong counter-argument to the idea that suffering disproves God's existence?

Accepted Answer

Suffering, even if difficult to understand, might have a purpose or contribute to a greater good.

Answer

Humanity's sinful actions directly cause suffering.

Answer

Suffering is not real; it's just a trick of our perception.

Answer

Whether humans suffer or not has no bearing on whether God exists.

Question 2

Which response to the problem of evil attempts to harmonize God's existence with the presence of suffering?

Accepted Answer

Free will defense

Answer

Logical argument against God's existence

Answer

Evidential argument against God's existence

Answer

Hidden God argument

Question 3

Which of the following is a response to the problem of evil that claims suffering is evidence against God's existence?

Accepted Answer

The Problem of Evil as Evidence Against God's Existence

Answer

The Free Will Defense

Answer

The Hidden God Argument

Answer

The Greater Good Defense

Question 4

What is the evidential problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

It argues that the existence of suffering and evil disproves the existence of God.

Answer

It claims that God punishes people with suffering.

Answer

It states that God is unable to prevent all suffering.

Answer

It suggests that the reason for evil is a mystery that humans cannot understand.

Question 5

Which premise is central to the problem of suffering in the philosophy of religion?

Accepted Answer

The notion that the coexistence of an omnipotent, benevolent God and the existence of suffering is logically incompatible.

Answer

The belief that humans hold exclusive responsibility for their own suffering.

Answer

The idea that God intended the world to be a state of perpetual bliss.

Question 6

Which response to the problem of evil posits that evil and suffering are consequences of:

Accepted Answer

Human choices and actions resulting from free will.

Answer

The existence of two opposing forces, one good and one evil.

Answer

Moral development and growth.

Answer

The inherent limitations of the physical universe.

Question 7

According to the free will defense, the primary cause of evil and suffering is:

Accepted Answer

The exercise of human free will and the resulting choices and actions.

Answer

The inherent limitations of the physical realm.

Answer

The influence exerted by a powerful evil entity.

Answer

Errors made by God during the creation of the world.

Question 8

The hidden God defense suggests that:

Accepted Answer

God may exist but has chosen to conceal their presence from humanity.

Answer

Evil is an essential component of God's divine plan.

Answer

God possesses omnipotence and benevolence but lacks the ability to eradicate evil.

Question 9

Which philosopher is renowned for their argument that the existence of suffering logically disproves the existence of God?

Accepted Answer

William Rowe

Answer

John Hick

Answer

Alvin Plantinga

Question 10

The concept of 'irreducible minimum of suffering' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The unavoidable suffering deemed necessary for human development and growth.

Answer

The suffering directly attributable to human free will.

Answer

The minimal suffering tolerated by God's design.

Question 11

According to the free will defense, why does God allow suffering to exist?

Accepted Answer

To allow individuals to exercise their free will and make moral choices.

Answer

To test the faith of individuals.

Answer

To punish individuals for their sins.

Question 12

In responding to the atheist's critique of religious explanations for suffering, a potential response is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the limitations of human understanding and embrace mystery.

Answer

Claim that atheists have no basis for rejecting religious explanations.

Answer

Insist that religious explanations are the only valid ones.

Question 13

A strength of the evidential argument from evil is that it:

Accepted Answer

Presents empirical evidence to support its claims.

Answer

Relies on logical fallacies.

Answer

Assumes that suffering is always morally wrong.

Question 14

The primary function of a theodicy in the context of the problem of suffering is to:

Accepted Answer

Offer a rational or theological explanation for the existence of suffering.

Answer

Prove that God does not exist.

Answer

Deny the existence of suffering.

Question 15

A key assumption of the Irenaean theodicy is that:

Accepted Answer

Suffering serves as a necessary part of the process of creation and redemption.

Answer

Suffering is an illusion.

Answer

Suffering is a punishment for sin.

Question 16

The central philosophical challenge posed by the problem of suffering is:

Accepted Answer

The logical contradiction between the existence of a benevolent and all-powerful God and the presence of extensive suffering.

Answer

The lack of scientific evidence to support the existence of God.

Question 17

Which argument questions the existence of God by emphasizing the presence of suffering and evil in the world?

Accepted Answer

The argument from evil

Answer

The teleological argument

Answer

The argument from faith

Answer

The ontological argument

Question 18

According to Buddhism, the root cause of suffering is attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Attachment

Answer

Original sin

Answer

Cosmic injustice

Answer

The absence of absolute truth

Question 19

Which ethical stance emphasizes reducing suffering and promoting well-being?

Accepted Answer

Compassion

Answer

Resignation

Answer

Retribution

Answer

Detachment

Question 20

Which argument directly challenges the existence of a God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, using the presence of suffering in the world as evidence?

Accepted Answer

The Problem of Evil

Answer

The Cosmological Argument

Answer

The Ontological Argument

Answer

The Argument from Design

Question 21

Which of these is NOT a typical response to the Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

The argument that God is not omnipotent.

Answer

The greater good defense

Answer

Free will defense

Answer

The soul-making theodicy

Question 22

The Free Will Defense claims that:

Accepted Answer

Suffering is a consequence of human free will, a valuable gift from God.

Answer

God's power is limited in preventing suffering.

Answer

God is indifferent to human suffering.

Question 23

The 'Greater Good' defense suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Suffering might be necessary to achieve a greater good, even if we can't fully grasp its purpose.

Answer

Suffering is a punishment for wrongdoing.

Question 24

The Problem of Suffering primarily challenges which theological attribute of God?

Accepted Answer

Omnibenevolence (all-good)

Answer

Omnipotence (all-powerful)

Answer

Omniscience (all-knowing)

Answer

Immanence (present within creation)

Question 25

The distinction between 'natural evil' and 'moral evil' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The difference between suffering caused by natural events and suffering caused by human actions.

Answer

The difference between physical and emotional suffering.

Answer

The distinction between suffering experienced by humans and suffering experienced by animals.

Question 26

Which argument suggests that suffering in the world is evidence AGAINST the existence of God?

Accepted Answer

The 'argument from evil'

Answer

The ontological argument

Answer

The cosmological argument

Answer

The argument from design

Question 27

In the context of the Problem of Suffering, what does 'theodicy' mean?

Accepted Answer

An attempt to explain and justify God's goodness and power in the face of suffering.

Answer

A philosophical explanation for the origin of evil.

Answer

A theological argument for God's existence.

Question 28

What is the main difference between a 'theodicy' and a 'defense' in relation to the Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

Theodicies aim to justify God's actions, while defenses try to explain why God allows suffering.

Answer

Theodicies focus on natural evil, while defenses focus on moral evil.

Answer

Defenses are more philosophical, while theodicies are more theological.