What is meant by good, evil and suffering?
Good
The word good means different things to different people. Everyone interprets the word differently, and what people consider to be good can also depend on their values, beliefs and culture. Generally, the word good is used for things which are not evil or bad, eg:
- caring for others
- helping others
- showing compassion to others
Evil
Evil is a cause of human suffering. There are two types of evil:
- moral evil - the acts of humans which are considered to be morally wrong, , eg Hitler killing millions of Jews during the Holocaust
- natural evil - natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamiA large destructive wave caused by earthquakes, volcanic activity or landslides under water.
These two types of evil can work together, eg human evil can make natural evil worse. If natural evil, eg a drought brought on by lack of rainfall, causes crops to fail, the policies of a government can make the food shortages for the poorest people worse (moral evil).
Religions differ in what they teach about the origins of evil.
- Some consider it to have been present in the world from the beginning as the work of evil forces.
- Some believe it is part of God’s creationThe act of bringing something into existence. In religion, this refers to the creation of the world by God. which may have a purpose that humans cannot understand.
- Some consider it to be the outcome of ignorance and to have no beginning.
- Most religions teach that moral evil should be opposed. Attempts should be made to minimise the impact of natural evil.
Suffering
Suffering is the bearing or undergoing of pain or distress. Suffering is often a result of evil.
Most people experience suffering at some time in their life. Religions attempt to explain suffering, help people to cope with it and learn from it. For some religious people, the fact that people suffer can raise difficult questions about why God allows this to happen.
Some people believe that God allows humans to make decisions for themselves and that suffering is caused by the choices that people make.
Questions raised by the existence of evil and suffering in the world
- What does the presence of evil and suffering say about God’s love, power and purpose?
- Is there a purpose to suffering?
- Is suffering the price humans pay for free willThe ability to make choices (particularly moral choices) voluntarily and independently. The belief that nothing is predetermined.?
- How do different religions respond to evil and suffering?
- How do individuals respond to evil and suffering?
Question
Describe how Judaism explains the existence of evil and suffering in the world.
Judaism teaches that the existence of evil and suffering in the world was a direct result of Adam and Eve disobeying God’s commandment in the Garden of Eden. The belief is that before this time, evil did not exist in the world and humans were mortal. Due to Adam and Eve giving into temptation from the serpent and eating the apple God punished humans by introducing evil to the world.