Nature of God and creation

What do Christians believe God is?

Omnipotent, omnibenevolent , omniscient, just

What does omnipotent mean?

All powerful

What does omnibenevolent mean?

All loving

What does omniscient mean?

All knowing

How is God shown as omnipotent?

• Creation from ex nihilo (nothing)

• The great floods

• Plagues

• Healing/miracles

How are Christians influenced by the idea that God is just?

• Work for justice in society act with justice towards others 

• Treat others as you would want to be treated 

• Act well as God will judge them 

• Pray God will judge them mercifully 

How are Christians influenced by the idea that God is omnipotent?

• Feel protected 

• Pray for needs 

• Trust God’s will (even with bad things) 

• Humbled in God’s presence, and so equal with others 

• Prayer in thanksgiving for creation and protection 

How are Christians influenced by the idea that God is omnibenevolent?

• Gives hope in despair – rely on God’s love 

• Motivation to love others as God loves them 

• Feels accepted as themselves 

• Giving thanks for God’s love e.g. sending Jesus 

What is the problem of evil?

The idea that if God is all knowing, loving and powerful, then why is there suffering.

What is theodicy?

Solutions to the problem of evil

Reasons for suffering:

• Punishment for sin

• Test of faith/loyalty

• If there is no suffering, there would be no good

• Suffering can lead to sympathy, compassion and “growth” 

• Free will to choose right and wrong

• God cannot break laws of nature/physics

• Humans cannot understand the scale of these issues