1 Epicurus is generally credited with first expounding the problem of evil, and it is sometimes called the Epicurean paradox: "Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?"
What is your explanation for how a God who is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-good can permit so much pain, suffering, and evil in the world?
2. In talking about evil, knowing how it is being defined is helpful. Since we're considering Judaism this week, to better grasp how the Jewish God of the Old Testament defines evil, read Jeremiah 32:30-35 (see the online Christian Bible in Webliography). Please respond in one post to both of the following:
What seems to be the main issue for the Jewish God when it comes to evil?
How does that compare with how you understand evil?
3. One historical event which springs to mind for many people when it comes to Jews is the Holocaust, which is discussed in the text. Please respond in one post to all of the following:
What did you learn about the holocaust that you did not know previously?
Can you identify the term typically used today to describe something similar to the Holocaust, as well as two locations where it has happened within the last 20 years? Who were the perpetrators and the victims, and how many people died as a result?
What conclusions about evil do you make as a consequence of events like these?