REL-210 Introduction to Theology and Philosophy
Reflective Essay – The Problem of Evil and the Existence of God
Assessment Overview
The reflective essay invites students to engage deeply with one of the most enduring questions in theology and philosophy: how can the existence of evil be reconciled with belief in an all-powerful, all-good God? The task develops critical reasoning, theological understanding, and reflective writing skills appropriate for second-year undergraduate study in religious and philosophical ethics. The essay combines analytical thought with personal reflection and encourages students to connect academic theory to individual moral or faith perspectives.
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Context and Purpose
The problem of evil has been debated since ancient times. Thinkers such as Augustine, Aquinas, Leibniz, and more recently Plantinga have sought to explain how divine goodness and omnipotence can coexist with human suffering. The discussion remains central in both philosophy of religion and theology courses. Students are expected to engage critically with classical arguments and offer reflective insights that show comprehension of both the philosophical reasoning and the existential implications of the issue.
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Assessment Task Instructions
- Length: 1,200–1,500 words, excluding references.
- Format: APA 7th edition; double-spaced; 12-point Times New Roman; 1-inch margins.
- Sources: Use at least four scholarly or peer-reviewed sources, including course readings and theological texts.
- Task Requirements:
- Explain the logical problem of evil and the evidential problem of evil using academic sources.
- Discuss one major theodicy or philosophical response (for example, the Free Will Defense, the Soul-Making Theodicy, or Process Theology).
- Evaluate whether the proposed theodicy successfully addresses the tension between divine goodness and the existence of suffering.
- Include a brief reflective section connecting the issue to contemporary faith, ethical practice, or human experience.
- Submission: Upload the essay to the course LMS (Brightspace) by the end of Week 6.
Assessment Criteria / Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (100–90%) | Proficient (89–80%) | Developing (79–70%) | Not Evident (<70%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Theological and Philosophical Concepts (30%) | Demonstrates strong understanding of the problem of evil and major theodicies with accurate use of terminology and evidence. | Explains key ideas clearly with occasional lapses in depth or precision. | Provides partial understanding with minimal reference to scholarly sources. | Shows weak or inaccurate grasp of the central concepts. |
| Critical Evaluation (25%) | Develops an insightful and balanced evaluation supported by scholarly argument and clear logic. | Presents evaluation with adequate reasoning but limited engagement with counterarguments. | Offers limited critical engagement or unsupported claims. | Evaluation is missing or lacks clarity. |
| Reflective Insight (20%) | Integrates personal reflection meaningfully with academic analysis and demonstrates thoughtful engagement with faith or moral implications. | Includes reflection but lacks clear connection to theoretical discussion. | Minimal reflection with limited relevance to topic. | No reflection provided. |
| Organization and Clarity (15%) | Essay is well-structured with logical flow, clarity, and precise academic writing style. | Mostly organized and readable with minor lapses in structure or clarity. | Organization is inconsistent and occasionally confusing. | Lacks logical organization and clarity. |
| Use of Sources and APA Formatting (10%) | Integrates scholarly sources accurately with correct APA formatting throughout. | Uses credible sources with minor APA errors. | Limited source use or significant citation issues. | Fails to meet source or formatting requirements. |
Sample Content (Excerpt)
Many theists argue that moral freedom is essential for genuine goodness. The Free Will Defense suggests that God allows moral and natural evil so that human beings may exercise true choice. Augustine held that evil arises from the misuse of free will rather than divine creation. Critics argue that this explanation fails to account for suffering caused by natural disasters or disease. The ongoing debate continues to test philosophical reasoning about divine justice and human suffering.
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References (APA 7th Edition)
- Adams, M. M. (2018). Horrendous Evils and the Goodness of God. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198797579.001.0001
- Hick, J. (2021). Evil and the God of Love (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25576-7
- Plantinga, A. (2018). The Nature of Necessity. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/0198244142.001.0001
- Swinburne, R. (2020). Providence and the Problem of Evil. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198813491.001.0001
