Philosophy & ethics · Both
Good, Evil & Suffering
If God is all-loving and all-powerful, why is there suffering? This classic problem drives many RS questions.
Problem of evil
• Moral evil (human actions) vs natural evil (earthquakes, disease)
• Free-will defence – moral evil results from human freedom
• Soul-making ideas – suffering can develop character (debated)
• Some conclude the problem challenges belief; believers offer theodicies
Crime, punishment, forgiveness
• Aims of punishment: deterrence, protection, retribution, reform
• Religious teachings on justice and mercy
• Forgiveness as Christian ideal (e.g. Jesus’ teaching); also valued in Islam alongside justice
• Evaluate whether forgiveness and punishment can work together
Practice questions
1. Moral vs natural evil?
2. Name two aims of punishment.