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Outline three Jewish solutions to the problem of suffering - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Outline three Jewish solutions to the problem of suffering. Explain two ways the design argument may show that the Almighty exists. Explain two ways that miracles ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three Jewish solutions to the problem of suffering - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Jewish solutions to the problem of suffering.
Answer
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Charity and Good Deeds: Jews believe that alleviating suffering through acts of charity and kindness is a moral obligation. This includes giving to those in need and engaging in social justice efforts.
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Understanding Suffering as Punishment: In some interpretations, suffering is seen as a consequence of disobedience to God's laws. It serves as a form of correction or a chance to repent.
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The Concept of Free Will: Suffering is also understood as a result of human free will. Jews may argue that God has given humanity the freedom to choose, which can result in actions leading to suffering among individuals.
Step 2
Explain two ways the design argument may show that the Almighty exists.
Answer
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Order in the Universe: The design argument posits that the order and complexity of the universe imply the existence of a designer. Such structure, particularly in celestial bodies like the sun and moon, suggests an intentional creator rather than random chance.
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Unique Complexity of Life: The uniqueness seen in human beings, such as human fingerprints, illustrates a deliberate design. The argument asserts that such intricate detail indicates the presence of a conscious creator who designed life with purpose.
Step 3
Explain two ways that miracles may prove the existence of the Almighty. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.
Answer
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Divine Love and Providence: Miracles, such as those described in the Torah, like the provision of manna in Exodus 16, demonstrate God's active involvement in the world and His love for humanity. This exemplifies how miraculous events can affirm faith in the Almighty.
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Authority in Prophetic Accounts: Instances such as Elijah's miracles (1 Kings 18:20-40) emphasize divine power manifesting through prophets. This serves as evidence of God’s existence, as these miracles are often recorded with the aim of conveying God's authority and confirming the beliefs of the faithful.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
The cosmological argument suggests that everything in existence must have a cause. Following this reasoning:
Arguments for the statement:
- Everything must have a cause; therefore, the universe itself must have originated from an 'Uncaused Cause,' which is identified as the Almighty.
- The consistent, ordered development of the universe supports the existence of a Creator who initiated it.
Arguments against the statement:
- Non-religious perspectives propose that the universe could have come into existence without necessitating a divine creator, citing natural causes like the Big Bang.
- Additionally, questioning what caused the Almighty itself undermines the argument; if the Almighty is eternal, why can’t the universe be eternal too?
In conclusion, while the cosmological argument provides compelling reasons for belief in the Almighty, non-religious viewpoints challenge its necessity, suggesting that the existence of the universe does not conclusively point to a divine creator.