The problem of evil
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the problem of evil and the divergent responses offered as solutions to the problem of evil.
Key learning points
- For Christians, beliefs about God come from the Bible which teaches that God is just, (omni)benevolent and omnipotent.
- The problem of evil and suffering refers to the questions about God’s nature that the existence of evil raises.
- Many Christians defend God's nature through Biblical, theoretical and practical solutions and responses.
- Solutions to the problem of evil can offer Christians reassurance of God's nature, provide comfort and encourage action.
Keywords
Evil - the opposite of good; a cause of suffering and against the will of God
(omni)benevolent - the belief that God is 'all loving'
Omnipotent - the belief that God is 'all powerful'
Suffering - an effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship
Common misconception
The existence of evil and suffering proves that God does not exist.
For Christians, there are a number of Biblical, theoretical and practical responses and solutions to the problem of evil.
Teacher tip
You may wish to provide students with the sources of wisdom and authority referenced on slide 7.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Many Christians believe that is eternal separation from God.
Q2.Hell is often seen as a punishment for and rejecting God.
Q3.Which of these is a traditional Christian belief about heaven?
Q4.How might belief in heaven and hell influence Christians?
Q5.Which of these statements shows a misunderstanding of Christian beliefs?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each quality attributed to God to its biblical source.
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)
Q2.What does the problem of evil challenge?
Q3.What is moral evil?
Q4.Which of these is a common Christian response to suffering?
Q5.What is the inconsistent triad used to show?
Q6.Some people argue that the existence of evil proves that God doesn’t exist. What do many Christians believe instead?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The problem of evil, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The problem of evil, 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 4 religious education lessons from the Christian beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.