Creation journal. Theodicy. Religion and Theology Essay
The reading this week included many attempts to “defend” God’s goodness and omnipotence amidst the reality of evil and suffering. Such defenses are called a theodicy. Explain the summary arguments presented in the reading (listed below), and evaluate the merit or fallacy of some of these arguments. Begin constructing your own theodicy. You might consider: What implications might these arguments have on how we respond to human suffering in general and to individuals in the midst of suffering in particular? How is your thinking informed by knowing God is both Creator and Redeemer?
Augustine (Gonzalez)
Irenaeus (McGrath)
Plantinga (McGrath)
Moltmann/Bonhoeffer (McGrath)
Erickson
A journal question for the weekly theological topic will draw on major themes from other common core
courses, contemporary political and ethical situations, perennial Christian debates, and common life
experiences. Each student will submit a 300-word journal in Blackboard that includes:
1) Substantive reflection on the weekly journal prompt.
• Substantive reflection entails following prompt instructions to examine, evaluate, and/or construct ideas
(not merely a personal response or “here’s what I think” statements).
2) Incorporation of two sources from the week’s lecture and study materials.
• Incorporating sources from the week enables students to bring ideas together, find connections, or
engage further with the material. Make a note of the source and page number is parenthesis after using
lecture and study materials. Due to the brief length of these posts, avoid extensive quotes. Instead, quote
helpful phrases or words.
The Journal prepares students for seminar discussions, develops the ability to utilize theological language and
ideas, and provides practice in constructing a theological response to a particular situation. Students are
responsible for bringing a paper or electronic copy to seminar for use in the discussion.
Instructors use the following rubric to assess journals:
5- Substantive reflection AND use of 2 sources from lecture/study folder
4- Insightful reflection and use of 1-2 sources
3- Minimal (or maybe adequate) reflection and minimal use of sources
2- Does not address the question of the prompt OR offers only personal opinion
1- Disregard for the assignment
0- Assignment not submitted
Your Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
July 4, 2018
Journal on Creation
While reading the theodicies written by the authors listed above, it is apparent that while there are many differences between their ideas, there are also distinct similarities between every one of them. In most of the literature, particularly that written by Augustine and Irenaeus, it is said that the creation of a man was generally intended towards goodness (Small). This was contended by many as they believe that if God is good, omnipotent, and omniscient, then why would he create a being that is naturally inclined towards doing evil (e.g., man). However, it was also referred (and implied) in these theodicies that while God created human beings to supposedly be good, he also gave them free will. This aspect of the free will becomes the reason for the existence of evil as men started to make choices that bring harm and suffering to others. In fact, the first sin that was committed was due to Adam a...