Questions for Reflection - "Conversations: Sharing Our Faith with a Skeptical World"
"Why Is There Evil?"
Mark 7:14–23; Genesis 3:1–7
- What has happened recently that you would place in the category of "evil"?
- How do you define "evil"?
- What does a 150lb. mongrel eating the prime rib in the dining room while everyone is celebrating in the living room illustrate about evil?
- Talk about the thesis that what we can explain we can learn to accept, but what we cannot explain remains unacceptable. What are some examples?
- Why is it inadequate to talk about "evil" in the abstract?
- What does Genesis 3:1-7 say about how evil works? If you have read C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, how do his examples help illustrate Genesis 3?
- What is evil's dream? How do you see this in evidence in human history?
- Talk about Pastor Thompson's description of the evil one as "That which is out there intent on destroying the things and desires of God." What are your thoughts? Note that the Bible does not anywhere develop a complete view of evil personified.
- Read Mark 7:14-23 and talk about the interplay, or dialog, between humankind and evil. What is Jesus' point? Who is responsible?
- Talk together about what the Lord's Table says about how God has addressed the problem of evil and how this sacrament helps you personally.
For further reading:
C.S. Lewis. The Screwtape Letters., Harper, San Francisco. 1942
N.T. Wright, Evil and the Justice of God., Intervarsity Press, 2006
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Westminster Presbyterian Church |