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Question 1.

1. a) How far is the problem of evil a challenge to religious belief?

b) How convincing is the free will defence?

a) Essentially this is asking you why evil is a problem. Remember that the problem of evil is the single greatest hindrance to religious belief. You have to include:-

* What the problem is. (remember to include the 'omni's' and the different types of evil - show why each evil has its own problem)

* For whom this is a problem and why.

* For whom it is not a problem.

* The four options that the problem of evil offers to monotheists - which one of these most directly addresses this question?

* Above all - make sure you ANSWER the Question. DO NOT simply list the info you know about what is the problem of evil. You must analyse how big a problem this is for people who are seeking to believe in God.

b) In this you have to again analyse. You need to take a stand - DO NOT sit on the fence - you will on get a sore bottom!! Does the Fee Will Defence actually solve the problem of evil in a way that is convincing or not? Show in your essay that you know there are two sides to this debate but make it very clear which side you are on and then PROVE why you are right.

Intro: Answer the question - despite there being two sides to this argument, you are saying yes it is convincing or no it isn't.