In addition Evil has already been defeated in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, although the effects of it are still seen and experienced. In the book of Revelation, the stage is set for a climactic confrontation between the forces of good and evil. In the event, the war turns out to be a distinctly low-key event for the battle has already been won. Our world, however, is in an 'in between' phase. Evil has been defeated but its ultimate destruction is still to take place. Satan's life span is limited, his days are numbered and he knows it. God's promise is that Satan's power, already under his divine control, will be eradicated in the end (Revelation 9-21).
Furthermore a person’s concept of what is good and what is evil may have a lot to do with their background. The Pharisees believed they were doing the right things, and many people had grown up to believe the Pharisees were doing the right things. Paul, in his earlier life was one example of this. Similarly in the 1920’s, many Americans had grown up to accept the alcohol wealth society even though it was contrary to the law of the time.
Although most Christians may believe that the power of good is greater than evil, some Christians may believe that due to recent events such as September 11th and The War on Iraq they may believe that evil is more powerful than good. Some Christians may answer this by saying that good has conquered evil many times for example the resurrection of Jesus.
In conclusion Christians believe that the power of good is far more than the power of evil. They depict between the two in many ways including using their conscience, the bible and commandments. Christians believe that good is so powerful you can accomplish anything. Also Christmas believe that, as a part of their response to God, they should try to avoid evil and do good, because they believe that God is perfectly good and that they should try to become like God as much as they can..
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- Explain how Christians may be influenced by these beliefs.
Christians may be influenced by these beliefs in many different ways. Christians try to do good by following things such as the bible. The Bible, as the holy book of Christianity, is often used as a source of moral guidance. Christians study the teachings of the Bible, and try to work out how to apply it to their own lives and situations. Some of the Bible’s teachings, such as the Ten Commandments, are considered by many people, whether Christian, or not to contain essential truths about right and wrong. Christians often turn to the Bible when they have difficult moral decisions to make. Many of the teachings and stories of the Bible have messages which Christians can use and try to put into practice.
In addition Christian beliefs may be influenced by events where evil conquers and beats good. For example in recent times the events of September 11th. Evil defeated good and killed many people. Christians may question if good is more powerful than evil then why do events such as this happen and if God is all powerful why did he not stop this?
Christians answer some of these questions by saying that God gave us free will and thus the evil we make is our own fault. Despite this other Christians argue that natural disasters such as Earthquakes are a work of evilness. Some Christians believe that it is a work of Saturn or a punishment from God. This also influences Christians in their beliefs that is may be possible that evil is more powerful than good.
Furthermore, Christians may argue this by referring back to the resurrection of Jesus. This shows that good is more powerful than evil.
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In addition to prevent evil and punishment Christians go to confession and pray for forgiveness. Christians believe that suffering is a test given to us by God.
- “If God really loved humanity we would never have to suffer.” Do you agree?
In my opinion to the statement “If God really loved humanity we would never have to suffer.” I do not agree. I don’t agree for the following reasons. When God created us he gave us free will and the opportunity to do what we wanted.
It should go without saying that evil exists but, in our relativistic and post-modern culture, this is the place to start. Evil is a reality. God allows evil to exist, although he is not responsible for it. The philosopher Nietzsche, who announced the 'death of God', argued that human beings should see beyond good and evil, and reject the illusion of moral judgement. Nietzsche rightly recognised that, without God, there are no moral facts, no rights or wrongs. In such a world, no atrocity, not even the genocide of up to one million people in Rwanda in 1994, can be considered evil. The biblical perspective is radically different. God hates evil and is committed to destroying it.
In order to understand the nature of evil, it is necessary to understand the nature of God. In the biblical writings, evil exists in opposition to God. It does not exist independently of him. Evil is subject to God. It is unoriginal and parasitic, a corruption of goodness. God is good. God creates and sustains. God is truth and beauty and love and reality. God is reliable and always acts in the best interests of his creatures. God has created an ordered universe. Conversely, evil is all that is opposed to God. Evil is destructive and temporary. It is untrue and repulsive and self-centred and 'unreal.' Evil is decay and chaos.
In addition I do also believe that if God was all mighty and all powerful then there would be no such traumas such as September 11th.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that God gave us free will. If we choose not to create evil that is not God’s fault. Some Christians believe that all evil is work of the Devil.
In addition I believe the statement “If God really loved humanity we would never have to suffer.” could apply to some situations such as natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. I believe that these natural disasters are a way of God to punish us and therefore if God truly loved humanity he would not make people suffer.
In conclusion I believe that the statement “If God really loved humanity we would never have to suffer.” may apply to some situations such as natural disasters but overall I do believe that it is incorrect. God gave us free will and a brain and if we choose to misuse either of them it is not for God to correct. I believe that evil brought into the world is not the fault of God and therefore why should he prevent it.
