M5_A2 Philosophy of Religion

Assignment 2: Discussion: The Religious Problem of Evil

So, what is wrong with the world? Or, is it just fine, as it is?

Most of us would say that bad things happen in the world (Nazis, terrorists, the suffering of children).

What are we to make of it? Is this part of the work of god(s), behavior or human nature? Is evil external or internal?

This is known as the problem of evil or the problem of theodicy.

Now that you have been introduced to the main religious traditions of the human race, discuss what you have learned as it applies to the problem of why there is evil in the world.

• How does Hinduism address the problem?
• How does Buddhism address the problem?
• How do the Abrahamic religions address the problem?
• Compare the difference between the way Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists address the problem of evil and theodicy.

After you have posted your initial response, read all of your classmates' postings, and respond to at least two of your classmates.

By the due date assigned post your initial discussion response in the Discussion Area. By the due date assigned read all of the other students' postings, and post comments in the Discussion Area on at least two other responses.

Grading CriteriaMaximum PointsQuality of initial posting, including fulfillment of assignment instructions16Quality of responses to classmates12Frequency of responses to classmates4Reference to supporting readings and other materials4Language and grammar4Total:40