Inconsistent triad
I can explain the problem of evil with reference to the inconsistent triad.
Inconsistent triad
I can explain the problem of evil with reference to the inconsistent triad.
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
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Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
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Adult supervision required
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