The problem of evil

Religious education

In this unit pupils will begin their study of Christianity by examining some of the key beliefs of this worldview. They will focus on concepts of God, Trinity, Creation and the story and role of Jesus as incarnation and means of salvation.

Christian beliefs

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Psalm 103:8: The Lord is compassionate, gracious... abounding in love.

the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats about separation and heaven

Exodus 7-11 (the Ten Plagues), Genesis 1-3 (creation)

Match each quality attributed to God to its biblical source.

Which of these is a common Christian response to suffering?

that evil makes a belief in God illogical

What is the inconsistent triad used to show?

that evil can be explained without rejecting God

that suffering means that God is not loving

Some people argue that the existence of evil proves that God doesn’t exist. What do many Christians believe instead?

Many Christians believe that {{}} is eternal separation from God.

Hell is often seen as a punishment for {{}} and rejecting God.

Which of these is a traditional Christian belief about heaven?

it influences behaviour, emotions and practices

How might belief in heaven and hell influence Christians?

heaven and hell are always believed to be physical places

some Christians believe that hell is self-exclusion from God

a belief in heaven brings Christians comfort during grief

Which of these statements shows a misunderstanding of Christian beliefs?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The problem of evil

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.