Odd one out? Theodicy Vale of Soul making Summum Bonum Qualia Original Sin Freewill Christ Likeness

The relationship between the afterlife and the problem of evil

Learning Outcomes To be able explain the relationship between life after death and the problem of evil. To be able to evaluate the importance of the link between life after death and the problem of evil.

Christian views on life after death linked to evil and suffering Augustine: We are all guilty of evil (original sin); natural evil is a punishment for this and came about because human evil destroyed the natural order; God saves those who believe in Him through His mercy. Thus our life after death is a result of our life on earth. Problems: Modern thinkers find the idea of hell immoral. Also the idea that some people are predestined to be saved contradicts his view.

Christian views on life after death linked to evil and suffering Irenaeus: For Irenaeus, evil exists in order for human development to occur; we all eventually reach Heaven in order for God’s creation to be perfected. In current Christian beliefs those who are evil, have not repented of their sins or do not believe in Christ will ‘go to’ Hell. Those who are good, have repented of their sins and do believe in Christ will ‘go to’ Heaven. Problems: Swinburne claimed death is necessary as our choices only become important if they are limited by time. D.Z phillips (1934-2006) claimed that a good God would not use evil as an instrument.

Hindu views on life after death linked to evil and suffering It is through the acquisition of good karma that one can at last attain moksha – unity with Brahman, the one God - and have no need of further reincarnations. Evil and suffering is worked out over many lives. Problems: However is this a fair system e.g. According to this illness is a punishment for your actions.

Complete the table in your notes. In your words… Complete the table in your notes. Problem of evil What is their explanation for evil? Link to the afterlife Augustine Irenaeus Hinduism To be able explain the relationship between life after death and the problem of evil. To be able to evaluate the importance of the link between life after death and the problem of evil. Stretch yourself: Add John Hick to your table. Are his view coherent e.g. replica theory/ soul-making?

Karl Marx ‘The Opium of the masses’ Research create a mind map that explains Karl Marx’s link to the afterlife and the problem of evil. To be able explain the relationship between life after death and the problem of evil. To be able to evaluate the importance of the link between life after death and the problem of evil. Stretch yourself: Answer in your notes ‘There has to be life after death in order to compensate for the evils in this world’ - Do you agree?

Essay Plan To what extent is belief in an afterlife necessary in resolving problems raised by the existence of evil? (40 marks) Produce an evaluation Zigzag for this question! To be able explain the relationship between life after death and the problem of evil. To be able to evaluate the importance of the link between life after death and the problem of evil. Stretch yourself: Write your conclusion can you make it ‘insightful?’

In Summary… What is the relationship between the afterlife and the problem of evil? Answer in one sentence!