Questions and Answers
What is the definition of the term theodicy?
The Christian defense of God's infinite goodness and power despite the presence of evil and suffering.
According to the Christian worldview, the fall opened the way for evil and suffering to come upon the earth.
True
According to Philippians 2:1-11, what should Christians learn?
Learn humility, thinking of others first.
Why do Christians believe that suffering does not compromise a belief in God's goodness and power? (Select all that apply)
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Which lessons can be learned from the story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John chapter 11? (Select all that apply)
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Which explanation for suffering is not mentioned in the topic overview?
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Guilt is the feeling that you have done something bad; shame is the feeling that you are bad.
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Because Jesus is God, he did not actually suffer pain as God protected him from that experience.
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God explains to Job why Job has suffered.
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According to the Christian worldview, a lot of suffering happens because God's attention is occupied elsewhere and he cannot care for every individual's problems.
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According to the Christian worldview, since this is God's universe and God is good, God can do what he wants and is not obligated to explain himself to humanity.
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What are the three concepts mentioned in relation to the Christian worldview?
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Study Notes
Theodicy
- Theodicy is the Christian explanation of God's goodness and power in the context of evil and suffering.
The Fall
- The fall resulted in the entrance of evil and suffering into the world, marking a pivotal shift in the human condition.
- This statement is affirmed as true within the Christian worldview.
Humility in Christianity
- Philippians 2:1-11 emphasizes the importance of humility, urging Christians to prioritize others' needs.
Understanding Suffering
- Suffering does not undermine belief in God's goodness and power for several reasons:
- Humanity's fall is primarily responsible for the existence of suffering.
- Preventing suffering would demand the removal of free will, which could negate genuine love.
- Although suffering presents challenges to concepts of justice, ultimate justice will be served by God in due time.
Lessons from Lazarus
- The story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John teaches multiple key lessons:
- Jesus anticipated Lazarus' fate.
- Jesus showed deep empathy towards the grief of others.
- God's omnipotence includes the ability to resurrect the dead.
- For believers, death is not final.
Suffering Explanations
- One perspective not mentioned as an explanation for suffering is that it leads to good outcomes in character development.
Guilt vs. Shame
- Guilt and shame are defined distinctly:
- Guilt relates to the feeling of having committed a bad act.
- Shame pertains to the feeling of being bad as a person.
Suffering of Jesus
- Contrary to some beliefs, Jesus did experience pain and suffering, as divine protection did not shield him from these human experiences.
Job's Suffering
- God's explanation regarding Job's suffering is notably absent, indicating the complexity of understanding divine reasons for individual suffering.
Divine Attention
- The notion that suffering occurs due to God being preoccupied is false; God's attention is not divided.
God's Sovereignty
- The Christian worldview supports the idea that God, being sovereign and good, is not obliged to provide explanations for His actions or the existence of suffering.
Christian Growth
- Endurance, character, and hope are crucial elements that emerge from the experience of suffering within the Christian framework.
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Description
This quiz features flashcards focusing on key concepts related to the Christian worldview, specifically addressing theodicy, the nature of evil, and virtues such as humility as portrayed in Philippians 2:1-11. Ideal for students seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian teachings and beliefs.
