Assessment 1: Theological Reflection Essay on the Problem of Evil

Assessment Overview

Write a 1,200–1,500-word theological reflection essay that responds to a concrete pastoral, social, or personal situation in light of the Christian doctrine of God and the problem of evil. Engage both your chosen experience and relevant biblical, theological, and historical sources in a structured reflection that shows how Christian belief wrestles with suffering, injustice, and divine goodness.

Context and Rationale

Many theology and religious studies programs require structured reflection papers that connect lived experience with doctrinal and biblical study, often in relation to suffering, tragedy, or injustice. The task trains you to interpret experience through the lenses of Scripture, tradition, and reason, rather than leaving theological ideas and practical realities in separate compartments.

Task Description

Prepare a theological reflection essay on an experience, case study, or pastoral situation where the reality of evil, pain, or injustice raises questions about God’s goodness, power, or presence. Use an established model of theological reflection (for example, pastoral cycle, four-step model, or an approach introduced in class) and show explicitly how you move from description of the situation, through analysis, to theological interpretation and possible responses.

Step-by-Step Requirements

1. Select a specific experience, pastoral scenario, or case study that involves suffering, moral evil, or structural injustice (for example, illness, bereavement, abuse, war, poverty, discrimination, or disaster). Avoid abstract generalities.
2. Describe the situation clearly and briefly, including who is involved, what occurred, and why it raises theological questions about God, evil, and hope.
3. Identify the main theological questions that arise (for example, “Where is God in this?”, “Why does a good God allow this?”, “How should Christians respond?”).
4. Engage with at least one key biblical passage and at least two theological or historical perspectives on the problem of evil (for example, Augustinian, Irenaean/soul-making, free-will defence, protest theologies).
5. Show how these sources illuminate the situation and shape a faithful practical response, including any tensions or unresolved questions that remain.
6. Conclude with a concise reflection on how your understanding of God, evil, and Christian hope has been confirmed, challenged, or revised through this process.

Length and Formatting

• Length: 1,200–1,500 words, excluding title page and reference list.
• Format: Double-spaced, 12-point standard font, standard margins, page numbers included.
• Citation style: Follow your school’s required style (for example, Turabian/Chicago notes, Harvard, or APA); be consistent.
• Submission: Upload as a Word or PDF file to the designated LMS assessment link by the deadline stated in the module outline.

Content and Structure Requirements

Suggested Structure

• Introduction: Brief context, the chosen situation, and the central theological question or tension you will address.
• Description: Focused narrative of the experience or case, with relevant pastoral, social, or historical details.
• Analysis: Identification of key issues (personal, ethical, social) and why the situation is theologically significant.
• Theological Engagement: Interaction with Scripture and at least two theological positions on God and evil, including points of agreement and critique.
• Practical Response: Reflection on what faithful Christian response or ministry might look like in light of your analysis.
• Conclusion: Concise summary of what has been learned and how your view of God and suffering has developed.

Research and Sources

• Use at least three peer-reviewed sources in addition to the Bible and core course text(s), published between 2018 and 2026.
• Include at least one recent scholarly work that addresses the problem of evil or suffering in contemporary theology or biblical studies.
• Reference all sources accurately in the text and in a final reference list.

Assessment Criteria and Marking Rubric

Markers apply the following rubric, adapted from common theological reflection and religious studies assessment practices.

1. Clarity and Focus of the Situation (20%)

1. High Distinction / A: Situation is described clearly and succinctly, with sufficient detail to understand the human and pastoral context and its theological stakes.
2. Distinction / B+: Description is clear, though some details could be sharpened; relevance to the problem of evil is evident.
3. Credit / B: Basic description is present but may be too broad, overly detailed, or lacking in focus.
4. Pass / C: Vague or fragmented account of the situation; theological significance is only partially apparent.
5. Fail: Situation is unclear, trivial, or disconnected from the assignment focus.

2. Theological and Biblical Engagement (30%)

1. High Distinction / A: Demonstrates accurate, thoughtful use of Scripture and theological scholarship; compares perspectives and recognises tensions; links doctrine of God and the problem of evil carefully to the case.
2. Distinction / B+: Uses Scripture and theological sources appropriately, with mostly accurate interpretation and some comparative insight.
3. Credit / B: Shows basic understanding of key ideas but relies on general statements; limited engagement with differing views.
4. Pass / C: Minimal or partially inaccurate use of biblical or theological sources.
5. Fail: Neglects required sources or seriously misrepresents core doctrines.

3. Reflective Integration and Practical Insight (25%)

1. High Distinction / A: Integrates experience, theology, and practice in a coherent way; proposes realistic and pastorally sensitive responses; acknowledges unresolved tensions honestly.
2. Distinction / B+: Connects theology and practice with some insight; responses are mostly realistic and pastorally aware.
3. Credit / B: Makes general applications; some links between theology and practice remain underdeveloped.
4. Pass / C: Reflection remains either purely theoretical or purely experiential with little integration.
5. Fail: No meaningful attempt to relate theology to lived response.

4. Organisation and Academic Writing (15%)

1. High Distinction / A: Essay has a clear structure, coherent paragraphs, and precise academic language; grammar and spelling are consistently accurate.
2. Distinction / B+: Structure is generally logical; minor issues with flow or expression do not impede understanding.
3. Credit / B: Organisation is apparent but uneven; some awkward phrasing or recurring minor errors.
4. Pass / C: Weakly organised or repetitive; language difficulties sometimes obscure meaning.
5. Fail: Writing is very difficult to follow; structure is largely absent.

5. Research, Referencing, and Academic Integrity (10%)

1. High Distinction / A: Meets or exceeds required number of scholarly sources; referencing is accurate and consistent; use of sources aligns with institutional integrity policies.
2. Distinction / B+: Uses appropriate sources with only minor citation errors.
3. Credit / B: Mix of scholarly and less suitable sources; noticeable referencing inconsistencies.
4. Pass / C: Limited research and frequent citation problems.
5. Fail: Inadequate research or evidence of academic misconduct.

Strong theological reflection on the problem of evil does not rush to defend God or offer simple explanations for complex suffering. Effective essays listen carefully to a specific experience, lay out the questions it raises, and then bring Scripture and Christian tradition into conversation with that reality. Clear writing shows how doctrines of creation, sin, providence, and hope in Christ can illuminate painful situations without erasing the depth of loss or injustice that people carry.

Academic Sources

• Adams, M.M. (2019) Wrestling with God: Theodicy in Christian Perspective. Baylor University Press.
• Southgate, C. (2018) The Groaning of Creation: God, Evolution, and the Problem of Evil. 2nd edn. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Yong, A. (2020) ‘Suffering, providence, and the Holy Spirit’, International Journal of Systematic Theology, 22(2), pp. 187–205.
• O’Collins, G. (2020) Catholicity and the Problem of Evil. Oxford University Press.