Define “natural evil” and “moral evil” in one sentence each.

Natural evil refers to suffering caused by natural events like earthquakes or floods, not directly linked to human actions. Moral evil refers to suffering resulting from deliberate human actions, such as violence or theft.

• Describe the Buddhist beliefs of Karma OR Samsara

Buddhist belief in Karma teaches that every action has consequences that affect one’s future, shaping suffering or happiness in this life or the next.

• Who are Job’s three friends, and what basic accusation do they make against him?

• What does Job demand from God?

• What is the main message of the Book of Job?

Job’s three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar— accuse him of secretly sinning and claim his suffering is a punishment from God.
Job demands an explanation and justice from God, questioning why the innocent suffer.
The main message of the Book of Job is that human suffering is sometimes a mystery beyond human understanding, but faith in God remains essential.

• According to Catholic teaching, what event introduced moral evil into human history?

• In one sentence, explain why earthquakes can occur in a world created by a good God.

According to Catholic teaching, moral evil entered the world through the original sin of Adam and Eve.
Earthquakes can occur because the natural world operates through laws of nature, which allow for both order and natural disasters.

• State a concise definition of “theodicy.”

Theodicy is the philosophical attempt to justify the goodness of God in the presence of evil and suffering in the world.

• Explain the link between evil and suffering, giving examples.

Evil and suffering are linked because evil actions (like war) cause suffering, and natural evil (like disease) leads to physical and emotional pain.

Analyse how social media can blur the boundary between good intentions and harmful outcomes.

Social media can blur good and harm when people post with the intent to help but end up causing harm through misinformation or shaming.

• Give a concrete example of an action that appears good but is motivated by an evil intention; explain the tension.

An example is donating to charity for public praise rather than genuine care, which reveals pride rather than true compassion.

Compare Catholic and Buddhist views on how personal growth can emerge from suffering

Catholics believe suffering can lead to spiritual growth and closer union with Christ, while Buddhists see suffering as part of Samsara and an opportunity to grow in wisdom and detach from desires.

• Evaluate one strength and one weakness of Job’s friends’ arguments in defending God.

A strength of Job’s friends’ arguments is their insistence on divine justice, but their weakness is assuming suffering always means guilt.

• Explain how the doctrine of original sin accounts for both natural and moral evil without blaming God.

Original sin explains that evil entered the world through human choice, not God’s will, and disrupted the harmony of creation.

• Summarise one common atheist objection to the Catholic view of natural disasters and give a brief Catholic response.

An atheist objection is that a loving God wouldn't allow innocent suffering from disasters; Catholics respond that suffering can bring about greater goods or spiritual growth.

Explain how the Paschal Mystery reframes human suffering.

The Paschal Mystery reframes suffering as a path to redemption, showing that through Jesus’ suffering and resurrection, pain can lead to eternal life and hope.

• Suggest one practical way a teenager could reduce both physical and emotional suffering for an elderly neighbour, and explain briefly how each form is addressed.

A teenager could help an elderly neighbour by mowing their lawn (relieving physical strain) and having regular friendly chats (easing emotional loneliness).

• A classmate cheats because “everyone else does.” Using Catholic ethics, name one question you would ask them to clarify good versus evil.

I would ask, “If something is popular or common, does that automatically make it right?”

• explain to a Buddhist friend one key difference between Buddhist and Catholic views of suffering.

Catholics believe suffering can have redemptive meaning when united with Jesus’ suffering, while Buddhists see suffering as something to overcome by detaching from desires.

• How could Job’s final declaration guide a person rebuilding life after a flood?

• Assess whether Job’s final attitude (“I had heard of you… but now my eyes see you”) could serve as a healthy model for survivors of hardship today.

Job’s final declaration could inspire someone to trust in a bigger purpose and rebuild with humility and renewed faith after losing everything.

Yes, Job’s final attitude shows that personal growth and deeper faith can emerge after hardship, making it a powerful and healthy model today.

Respond in two sentences to “Natural disasters prove God doesn’t care.”

Natural disasters don’t prove God doesn’t care; they reflect the natural laws of a world that allows for free will and growth through challenge.
God’s love is constant, and through suffering we can still find meaning, community, and eventual restoration.

• How would you give hope to a person who doubts the goodness of God in the midst of their suffering?

I would gently remind them that God suffers with us, and that through Jesus’ resurrection, even the darkest pain can lead to hope and new life.