1. The problem of evil I will explore further the problem of evil. Hmk: Remember your assessment is on Weds 28 th The assessment will start at 12

2. 1. Paradox B. The belief that God moves through time along with creation but has no beginning or end 2. Transcendent D. The idea that God is active and closely involved in the world 3. Immanent A. The belief that God stands outside of time and that all time is equally present to him 4. Immutable F. The idea that God cannot change 5. Timeless C. A situation where two contradictory statements appear true 6. Everlasting 7. Process Theology E. The idea that God is also in the process of becoming and change G. The idea that God knows all the possibilities of what would happen in different scenarios 8. Middle Knowledge 9. Predestination H. The belief that God chooses some to be saved I. The idea that God is separate from the physical world. He is far above all things 10. Universalism J. The belief that all people will ultimately achieve salvation

3. R EWARDS AND PUNISHMENT Think Why would the whole issue of rewards and punishment be important when talking about God?

4. THE QUESTION OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT There are two aspects to the question of divine rewards and punishments: physical rewards and punishments, and rewards and punishments in the afterlife. The primary concern with both is the issue of justice. In this sense, God’s goodness demands that people receive their appropriate reward or punishment. Jesus on a number of occasions promises his followers that they will be rewarded appropriately if they suffer on account of his name (Matthew 5:12). The New Testament states very strongly that God will judge people and hold them to account for their actions in life after death. Many theologians argue that ultimately, if a person chooses to live their life in a way that is wicked, God’s goodness demands two things: one, that the person has the real freedom to choose to be wicked, and two, that God’s justice demands that people are treated fairly; this would entail that people who are wicked are indeed punished, and people who experience lives full of suffering for which they are not to blame are appropriately compensated. As Richard Swinburne has stated: If there are any lives which nevertheless are on balance bad, God would be under an obligation to provide life after death for the individuals concerned in which they could be compensated for the bad states of this life, so that in this life and the next their lives overall would be good… Thus God treats us as individuals, each with her own vocation. (Providence and the Problem of Evil)

5. T HE PROBLEM OF EVIL Tim Keller Task Read the hand out (30 mins) Can you produce a review of what he is saying? This review is to be scripted to feedback to the class. Feedback will be given in the last 10 minutes of the lesson. Tip – Jot down your ideas on paper as you read through the chapter.