Inconsistent triad
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the problem of evil with reference to the inconsistent triad.
Key learning points
- There are two types of evil that exist in the world; moral evil and natural evil.
- Moral evil and natural evil raise questions about God's nature and existence; this is known as 'the problem of evil'.
- The inconsistent triad suggests that God does not possess the qualities of the God of classical theism.
- The inconsistent triad is used as an argument against God's nature and characteristics and/or God's existence.
Keywords
Evil - the opposite of good and a cause of suffering
Inconsistent triad - a representation of evil as being inconsistent with the nature of the God of classical theism
Omnibenevolent - the belief that God is all loving and infinitely good
Omnipotent - the belief that God is all powerful
Common misconception
The problem of evil only causes people to doubt God's existence.
The problem of evil also causes some people to doubt God's nature, rather than God's existence. The inconsistent triad challenges the belief that God is omnibenevolent and omnipotent.
Teacher tip
You may wish to enhance learning by encouraging students to discuss their views and beliefs surrounding the problem of evil.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Classical theism teaches that there is only one God who has perfect .
Q2.What does the “omni” prefix mean in Christian descriptions of God?
Q3.Christians believe that God is , meaning all-loving.
Q4.What does “omnipotent” mean?
Q5.Christians believe that God is , meaning all-knowing.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.There are two types of evil: evil and natural evil.
Q2.Why does the existence of evil make people question God's nature?
Q3.The inconsistent triad challenges the belief that God is all-powerful, all-loving, and that exists.
Q4.What might a Christian believe if they accept evil exists but still believe in God?
Q5.What is one conclusion some people draw from the inconsistent triad?
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Inconsistent triad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Inconsistent triad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Suffering: Can Christian theology overcome the problem of evil? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.