the nature of God

omnibenevolent

the state of being all-loving and infinitely good - characteristics often attributed to God.

omnipotent

the all-powerful, almighty and unlimited nature of God.

omnipotent and omnibenevolent

• it is important for christians to believe in a powerful and loving God because only such a God is worthy of worship.

• a being who is anything less than all-powerful and all-loving is not worthy of worship, and could not be the God christians believe in.

Q: “with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” [mark 10:27]

the problem of evil (epicurus’ problem of evil)

epicurus argues that if we are right in our belief that God is omnibenevolent and omnipotent then suffering/evil would not exist.

Q: ‘is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? then he is not omnipotent. is he able, but not willing? then he is malevolent. is he both able and willing? then whence cometh evil? is he neither able nor willing? then why call him God?’

what are two types of evil?

• natural evil

• moral evil

natural evil

• some suffering is seen as ‘natural’ such as disease and earthquakes.

• some christians argued that natural evil is a test of how human beings respond to difficulties.

moral evil

• the evil action of human beings, such as violence and injustice: moral evil.

• some christians say that moral evil is the result of human free will - which was given by God.

  • could be used for evil or for good.

• they also believe that without free will humans would not have a freely chosen a relationship with God.

why has God allow us to suffer?

• suffering is a test

• suffering is a result of sin

• suffering is a punishment

• how we deal with suffering gives us the opportunity to become better people - it is soul-shaping.

monotheism

the belief in one true God.

the holy trinity

• God the father - often called the creator.

• God the son took human form as jesus, who is divine and human.

• God the holy spirit - the active presence of God in the world today, in the church and individual persons.

Q: ‘in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit.’