The Problem of Evil: A Comprehensive Guide for Philosophy of Religion Students

Question 1

Which response to the problem of evil argues that we are unable to comprehend why God allows evil to exist?

Accepted Answer

The hidden God defense

Answer

The free will defense

Answer

The soul-making theodicy

Answer

The greater good defense

Question 2

How does the problem of evil challenge our understanding of God's omnipotence?

Accepted Answer

It implies that God may not be all-powerful.

Answer

It implies that God may not be all-good.

Answer

It implies that God does not exist.

Question 3

According to the free will defense, evil stems from:

Accepted Answer

The misuse of human freedom.

Answer

An inherent part of human nature.

Answer

The necessary development of moral character.

Answer

The result of God's absence.

Question 4

A key implication of the problem of evil for theism is:

Accepted Answer

Theism must be modified or revised.

Answer

The existence of God is impossible.

Answer

The problem of evil is irrelevant to the question of God's existence.

Answer

Theism is a logically incoherent belief system.

Question 5

A philosopher known for his critique of theism based on the problem of evil is:

Accepted Answer

William Rowe

Answer

John Hick

Answer

Alvin Plantinga

Answer

Richard Swinburne

Question 6

Analyze the evidential problem of evil. How does it challenge the concept of a God who is both all-powerful and benevolent?

Accepted Answer

The evidential problem of evil forces us to re-examine our understanding of God's nature, considering whether omnipotence and benevolence can coexist in the presence of suffering.

Answer

The evidential problem of evil can be dismissed because it only considers extreme cases of suffering.

Answer

The existence of free will and human sin fully explains the presence of suffering in the world.

Answer

The evidential problem of evil conclusively disproves the existence of God.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a widely accepted definition of evil within the field of philosophy of religion?

Accepted Answer

Epistemological evil

Answer

Moral evil

Answer

Metaphysical evil

Question 8

How does the COVID-19 pandemic challenge our understanding of God's existence, power, and goodness in the face of widespread suffering?

Accepted Answer

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges our understanding of God's existence, power, and goodness.

Answer

The problem of evil is irrelevant to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer

The COVID-19 pandemic proves that God does not exist.

Question 9

How does Theodicy address the evidential problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

By arguing that evil serves a greater good

Answer

By denying the existence of evil

Answer

By proving that belief in God is illogical

Answer

By declaring that Theodicy is ineffective in resolving the problem of evil

Question 10

Distinguish between natural and moral evil. Provide an example of moral evil.

Accepted Answer

Murder

Answer

Tsunami

Answer

Hurricane

Answer

Disease

Question 11

Which of the following statements **most accurately** reflects the concept of the logical problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

If God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and a perfect being, then evil should not exist.

Answer

The existence of evil demonstrates the flaws in the concept of an all-powerful deity.

Answer

Free will is a necessary component of human existence.

Answer

Evil is an essential element of the universe and plays a vital role in the development of spiritual awareness.

Question 12

Which of the following assumptions forms the foundation of the free will defense against the problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

God created humans with the capacity for free choice, enabling them to make both good and evil decisions.

Answer

Evil is an intrinsic aspect of human nature and cannot be eliminated.

Answer

God is not responsible for the evil actions committed by humans.

Answer

The existence of evil is ultimately beneficial, as it promotes personal growth and spiritual development.

Question 13

According to the free will defense, what is the primary reason why God permits evil to exist?

Accepted Answer

To provide humans with the freedom to exercise their moral agency and make choices.

Answer

To create a universe that is both diverse and充满活力, encompassing both good and evil.

Answer

To test the limits of human endurance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Answer

To demonstrate the consequences of wrongdoing and deter humans from sinful behavior.

Question 14

Which of the following objections raises a valid concern about the process theodicy?

Accepted Answer

It implies that God bears some responsibility for evil, even if indirectly, due to the role of God in creating the evolutionary process.

Answer

It introduces the concept of an evolving God, which may conflict with traditional theological perspectives.

Answer

It relies on the assumption that God is both all-powerful and all-good.

Question 15

Which of the following is a premise of the logical problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

If God is omnipotent and benevolent, then evil should not exist.

Answer

Humans possess free will to choose evil.

Answer

Evil is an inherent aspect of the created universe.

Question 16

What is the basis of the evidential problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil undermines the assertion that God is both omnipotent and benevolent.

Answer

Evil is an inherent aspect of the created universe.

Answer

Humans possess free will to choose evil.

Question 17

What is the central tenet of the Irenaean theodicy?

Accepted Answer

Evil represents a necessary stage within the process of creation.

Answer

Evil is an illusion.

Answer

Evil is a consequence of human sinfulness.

Question 18

What is the fundamental idea behind the Augustinian theodicy?

Accepted Answer

Evil is the absence or deprivation of good.

Answer

Evil is an illusion.

Answer

Evil represents a necessary stage in the process of creation.

Answer

Evil is a punishment for human sin.

Question 19

What is the essence of the problem of hiddenness?

Accepted Answer

The contention that God's existence is challenged by his apparent absence from human experience.

Answer

The assertion that God is omnipotent and benevolent but permits evil to exist.

Answer

The claim that God is a personal being who interacts with humans.

Question 20

What is the essence of the skeptical response to the problem of evil?

Accepted Answer

Our limitations in comprehending God and evil preclude definitive conclusions about their relationship.

Answer

Evil is an integral part of the created universe.

Answer

Humans possess free will to choose evil.

Question 21

Which of the following accurately defines the 'logical problem of evil'?

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil seems logically incompatible with the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good God.

Answer

The problem of evil only pertains to individuals who lack sufficient faith in God.

Question 22

In contrast to the logical problem of evil, the 'evidential problem of evil' primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

The extent and characteristics of suffering in the world as evidence against the existence of a benevolent God.

Answer

Logical inconsistencies found within religious doctrines that pertain to the topic of evil.

Answer

The moral implications of evil in relation to human responsibility.

Question 23

According to the 'free will defense', how does God's allowance of free will relate to the existence of evil?

Accepted Answer

God permits free will, recognizing that it carries the potential for evil, because it is essential for genuine love and the development of moral character.

Answer

Evil is ultimately a result of God's will, although it is intended for our ultimate benefit.

Question 24

The 'greater good' argument suggests that evil serves a purpose, which includes:

Accepted Answer

Enabling the existence of true virtue and the appreciation of goodness.

Answer

Creating a balanced universe where good and evil coexist in equal measure.

Answer

Fulfilling God's ultimate plan, which remains unknown to humans.

Question 25

A significant challenge presented by the problem of evil to religious belief systems is that it:

Accepted Answer

Raises questions about the nature and attributes of God, potentially undermining traditional conceptions of God's character.

Answer

Leads to widespread atheism and the rejection of all spiritual beliefs.

Question 26

The 'soul-building' argument proposes that suffering can contribute to:

Accepted Answer

Spiritual growth, development of character, and a deeper capacity for compassion.

Answer

Greater intellectual understanding of the world and its complexities.

Answer

Increased physical strength and enhanced resilience when facing adversity.

Question 27

How does the problem of evil relate to the concept of theodicy?

Accepted Answer

Theodicy endeavors to provide a justification for God's goodness and power in the face of evil, aiming to reconcile belief in God with the existence of suffering.

Answer

Theodicy serves as definitive proof of God's existence, despite the presence of evil.

Question 28

Which of the following best exemplifies 'natural evil'?

Accepted Answer

A catastrophic earthquake causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

Answer

A violent conflict between nations.

Answer

A criminal act perpetrated by one individual against another.