CC PRESENTATION 19 GUIDE CREDIBLE CATHOLIC WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. Adapted by: Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A. 1 Magis Center 2017
Welcome to CREDIBLE CATHOLIC! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? It is unbelief and skepticism. In our culture, derision of religion, God, the soul, Jesus, and the prospect of finding spiritual meaning in suffering, are not only tolerated but preached and sometimes even celebrated. Many are already infected by the faulty messages which are delivered in four popular, but inaccurate, secular myths. These myths, in one form or another, are the following: Myth 1: Science and faith are incompatible, and since science is true, it has replaced religion. Myth 2: Human beings are like every other animal merely a complex of atoms and molecules. We have no soul, no eternal destiny, and no transcendent nature. When we die, we die. Myth 3: There is no explanation for why an all-loving God would allow suffering. Therefore, suffering is fundamentally negative and a loving God probably does not exist. Myth 4: There is no evidence for Jesus as an historical figure, and therefore his resurrection or divinity. If Jesus did exist he was just an interesting prophet, but not a Savior or the Son of God. The 2016 Pew Research Center s Religious Landscape Study indicates that over 40% of millennials have abandoned their faith to unbelief because these four challenges have not been adequately addressed. Unless we specifically and effectively address these challenges to faith, the percentage will continue to grow. What can be done? WHAT IS OUR SOLUTION? Credible Catholic, a Magis Center curriculum correlated to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, was specifically created to address these myths. TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 4 Presentation 19: WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? Presentation Notes. 6 Activities Handout.. 19 Assessment (and answer key). 21 Student and Presenter Surveys.. 23 Magis Center 2017 2
CREDIBLE CATHOLIC PRESENTATION 19 GUIDE WHY WOULD AN ALL-LOVING GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? From content by: Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S. J., Ph.D. Adapted by Claude R. LeBlanc, M.A. Magis Center 13280 Chapman Ave. Christ Cathedral Tower of Hope, 9 th Floor Garden Grove, CA 92840 Magis Center 2017 3 Magis Center 2017
CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 19 Why Would an All-Loving God Allow Suffering? Table of Contents GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Content: This presentation is primarily derived from the Credible Catholic Little Book (CCLB) 19 which can be found at crediblecatholic.com. The presentations are interactive, with prayers, questions for discussion, videos and activities. You will find that most of the slides are self-explanatory. If you are using the version without voiceover, it is suggested that you or one of your students read it aloud, then you can comment about it or lead a discussion related to it. The questions on the slides are included to encourage student participation, at your discretion. Handouts: Students do not need to write down what is on the slides. You can simply make a copy of the following pages, with images of the slides and additional notes, for their use. There are a few places where notes can be added by the students but the commentary should provide them with what they need. Opening & Closing Prayers: It is recommended that you have the whole class read these aloud to establish that you expect their participation. Videos and Audio Files: These are introduced on the previous slides so that you are prepared for them. They automatically start when the next slide is opened. There is a discussion question included with each video. If you wish to use it, ask it before changing slides. When leading a discussion, it is important to establish trust on the part of your students, so let them answer the questions without correction (unless you believe they are being malicious). The content of each presentation contains the Church s teachings on the topics, so you do not need to give correct answers to the discussion questions. Time Required: Each presentation was designed to be easily covered in 120 minutes. If you have less time, use your discretion in limiting some discussion, omitting an activity (or activities), skipping a video (or videos), and assigning the assessment for homework (see the chart on the next page for recommendations). If you find you have extra time, use it for further class discussion and/or to encourage your students to brainstorm how this information can be used to confront the challenges to faith they face. If you can, add personal anecdotes and examples as appropriate to enhance student learning. You may consider reading through the assessment questions beforehand to help you decide what to emphasize. Magis Center 2017 4
CC P19 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS, pg. 2 If you wish to use most or all of this presentation s components, but do not have sufficient time, you can split it into two or more presentations as you see fit. Recommendations Based on Available Time Minutes: 60 75 90 105 120 Presentation Text Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Discussion Questions No Yes Yes Yes Yes Videos No No Yes Yes Yes Activities No No No Yes Yes Assessment No No No No Yes Required Preparation: Knowing how busy teachers and catechists are, we have tried to make these presentations easy to use. Generally, after reading these General Instructions, you can start the presentation and follow the Presentation Notes from beginning to end. For additional preparation, you may find it rewarding to read through the applicable CCLB (as noted above). If more information is desired, you can reference the Credible Catholic Big Book (CCBB) and/or the other additional resources shown at the end of each presentation. Using the Presentations: All Credible Catholic presentations are free online and can be played on your smart device or computer from our website with no special apps by electing the PLAY button. You may also download them in PDF format by selecting the SAVE button. You may need Adobe Acrobat Player, Adobe Flash Player and/or QuickTime Player (all free online) for the embedded videos and audio files to play in the PDFs. Student and Presenter Surveys are provided at the end of the presentation guide. We would appreciate it if you would administer and send them to us, either to the address at the front of this guide, or by scanning and emailing them to teach@magiscenter.com. To show our appreciation, we are offering a 25% discount on any one of the products for sale on our website for each class survey you submit. Need Help? If you have questions, contact us at teach@magiscenter.com and we will try to get back to you promptly. 5 Magis Center 2017
CC P19 PRESENTATION GUIDE CC Presentation 19: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Table of Contents PRESENTATION NOTES 4. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 1. Presentation 19 Title Slide 2. Presentation 19 Copyright Slide 5. In St. Paul s 1st Letter to the Corinthians (15:12-14) he writes: If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. 3. Opening Prayer 6. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering Notes: Magis Center 2017 6
7. Because of God s unconditional love, He does everything possible for us. Perfect love never ends, and so, God s plan is our union with Him for eternity. 10. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 8. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 11. VIDEO 1: God s Purpose for Suffering. Joni Eareckson Tada is an evangelical Christian, author, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community. " 9. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering Notes: 12. While individual answers may vary, it appears obvious that while God could have prevented suffering, no one escapes it. This leaves us with the conclusion that suffering is permitted by God to allow us to play a role in His work of salvation (as part of the Body of Christ). 7 Magis Center 2017
13. God allowed His only begotten Son to suffer for our benefit; why wouldn t He allow it for us if it contributes to the same benefit? There is no greater benefit for us than eternal life. 16. As demonstrated in Presention 1, NDEs typically involve encountering another world of peace and love without suffering or pain. This should provide comfort that our earthly suffering is limited. 14. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 17. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Read Matthew 5:1-12 and identify those in our world today who are poor in spirit mourn are meek hunger and thirst for righteousness are merciful are clean of heart are peacemakers (or) are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Describe what their absence of suffering in eternity may be like. 15. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering Notes: 18. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering Magis Center 2017 8
19. VIDEO 2: The Prodigal Son. A further question this parable invokes is asking, which of the sons am I most like? Then, putting oneself in the story and reflecting on God s response. 22. For more information read: Free Will, Conscience and Moral Choice: What Catholics Believe by Archbishop George H. Niederauer at: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/freewill-conscience-and-moral-choice-what-catholicsbelieve-1087 20. This is much more common than most Christians are aware, and is the main reason given by atheists for their unbelief. God is wrongly viewed by them as not caring because He doesn t prevent suffering. 23. More information can be found at: http://cdn.theologicalstudies.net/52/52.2/52.2.5.pdf 21. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering Notes: 24. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 9 Magis Center 2017
CC P19 PRESENTATION GUIDE 25. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 28. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 26. CHAPTER 1: 3 Christian Ideas about Suffering 29. Imagine what would happen if there were no suffering in the world. How would we relate to God and to one another? 27. It is natural to ask this question, but it presupposes that we could know the answer. To presuppose this is to assert that we could know God, the Creator and sustainer of the Universe, well and completely enough to understand His purposes and ways, which is arrogant. 30. ACTIVITY 2: What would You Change if You Were God for a Day? Thinking that something is wrong with the world doesn t mean that it is. Approaching these questions with humility gives us a perspective that allows for the possiblity that we may be wrong. Ultimately, say that we would change something in it is to second-guess God. Notes: Magis Center 2017 10
31. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 34. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 32. VIDEO 3: Why Did God Make the World the Way He Did? Another way to think about this question is realizing that there are only four things God could have done: 1) not created anything, 2) created a world where we only choose good, 3) created a world where everything is called good, and 4) created the world He did. Which would you rather live in? 35. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 36. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 33. See Matthew 13:24-30. Notes: 11 Magis Center 2017
37. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 40. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 38. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 41. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 39. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Notes: 42. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Magis Center 2017 12
43. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? 46. VIDEO 4: Redemptive Suffering. More information can be found at: https://todayscatholic.org/redemptive-suffering/ 44. At the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked that the cup (of suffering) might pass from Him. He was not willing suffering on Himself unless it was necessary for the salvation of all. (See Mt. 26:39.) 47. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 48. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 45. CHAPTER 2: Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Notes: 13 Magis Center 2017
CC P19 PRESENTATION GUIDE 49. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 52. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 50. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 53. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 51. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 54. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? Notes: Magis Center 2017 14
CC P19 PRESENTATION GUIDE 55. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? More information on Christian resignation can be found at: http://www.saintpiocenter.org/materials/abandon ment.pdf 58. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 59. VIDEO 5: The Allegory of the Long Spoons. What would NOT have happened without the suffering? 56. CHAPTER 3: What to do when Suffering Comes? 60. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 57. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering Notes: 15 Magis Center 2017
61. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 64. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 62. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 65. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 63. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering. More information about agapē love can be found at: http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?id= 4125 Notes: 66. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering. Acclaimed as a Canadian who inspires the world (Maclean's Magazine) and a nation builder (The Globe and Mail), Jean Vanier is the founder of the international movement of L'Arche communities, where people who have developmental disabilities and the friends who assist them create homes and share life together. More information can be found at: http://www.larche.ca:8080/jean-vanier Magis Center 2017 16
67. VIDEO 6: Jean Vanier and Agapē Love 70. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 68. ACTIVITY 3: Understanding and Living Agapē Love 71. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 69. ACTIVITY 3: Understanding and Living Agapē Love Notes: 72. CHAPTER 4: The Opportunities of Suffering 17 Magis Center 2017
73. CHAPTER 5: Self-Offering for the Kingdom 76. Presentation 19 Additional Resources Slide 75. CHAPTER 5: Self-Offering for the Kingdom 75. Closing Prayer Notes: 77. Credits Slide Magis Center 2017 18
Name: Period: Date: Table of Contents CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 19 ACTIVITIES Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? ACTIVITY #1: Understanding God s Purpose in Suffering PART ONE: In the video you just watched, we heard quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada say: God is the one who has wired the world to be so difficult and He writes suffering into the script of our lives. REFLECT, then DISCUSS: 1. Do you agree with her? Has God intended that suffering be a mandatory part of our lives? 2. Why would God do this? PART TWO: She went on to say: God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves. Why? Because He desires salvation for a world of sinners. REFLECT, then DISCUSS: 1. Do you agree with her? Does God desire our salvation so much that He allows suffering? 2. Is salvation worth all the suffering there is? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTIONAL ACTIVITY (for Slide 17) Read Matthew 5:1-12 and identify those in our world today who are poor in spirit mourn are meek hunger and thirst for righteousness are merciful are clean of heart are peacemakers (or) are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Describe what their absence of suffering in eternity may be like. 19 Magis Center 2017
CC P19 ACTIVITIES continued, pg. 2 ACTIVITY #2: What Would You Change if You Were God for a Day? If possible, gather into small groups and discuss the following questions: 1) What would you change about the world if you were God? 2) What s wrong with the world the way it is? Why do you think your change be an improvement? 3) What does your change say about God and His world? ACTIVITY #3: Understanding and Living Agapē Love PART ONE: Jean Vanier said: We re in a culture where power, beauty, and capacity have value, and those who are less capable or apparently have less gifts should be got rid of because I have to be more powerful than my neighbor. REFLECTION: In your experience, is Vanier s statement true? If so, how? If not, why not? Give examples. PART TWO: Vanier continued: The question will always be how to lose power. Spirituality is about getting close to people who have been rejected There s only one thing that really matters, (answering the question) Do you love me as I am? REFLECTION: Is your spirituality like this? What needs to change, or what do you need to do to make it reflect agape love? Give examples. Magis Center 2017 20
Name: Period: Date: Table of Contents CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 19 ASSESSMENT Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Modified True or False: If a statement is true, mark it true. If false, make it true by striking through what is false and writing a correction on the lines provided. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The Resurrection of Jesus gives us hope in our own resurrection. Our only hope for success is the unconditional love of God. Christians understand that suffering has little meaning. Jesus taught us that suffering is a negative part of the Christian life? There will be an absence of suffering in the resurrection. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed us what God is like. Suffering is God s way of keeping us in line, punishing us, or being disgusted with our lack of progress. Because love requires freedom, God forces humans to cause suffering. Suffering is necessary for most of us to grow in love. The best way to imitate Jesus is to offer our suffering with His to God. 21 Magis Center 2017
Name: Period: Date: Table of Contents CREDIBLE CATHOLIC Presentation 19 ASSESSMENT ANSWER KEY Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? Modified True or False: If a statement is true, mark it true. If false, make it true by striking through what is false and writing a correction on the lines provided. TRUE 1. FALSE 2. FALSE 3. FALSE 4. TRUE 5. FALSE 6. FALSE 7. FALSE 8. TRUE 9. The Resurrection of Jesus gives us hope in our own resurrection. Our only hope for success is the unconditional love of God. salvation Christians understand that suffering has little meaning. great Jesus taught us that suffering is a negative part of the Christian life? positive There will be an absence of suffering in the resurrection. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed us what God is like. Prodigal Son Suffering is God s way of keeping us in line, punishing us, or being disgusted with our lack of progress. is not Because love requires freedom, God forces humans to cause suffering. allows Suffering is necessary for most of us to grow in love. TRUE 10. The best way to imitate Jesus is to offer our suffering with His to God. Magis Center 2017 22
Presentation 19: Why Would an All-Loving God Allow Suffering? STUDENT SURVEY Table of Contents School Name Grade Level Date Please choose the answer that best fits your responses: 1. Did this presentation have voice-over (audio throughout)? yes no 2. Before viewing this presentation, I had of this topic. much knowledge some knowledge no knowledge 3. I understood this presentation: very well well not that well 4. I found this presentation: very interesting interesting not that interesting 5. (Select all that apply) I liked the: information images videos discussions activities Comments: 6. (Select all that apply) I disliked the: information images videos discussions activities Comments: 7. This presentation had a impact on my faith. very positive somewhat positive somewhat negative Comments: 8. This presentation would have been better if: 9. Would you like to see a similar type of presentation on another topic? Yes No If so, which topic(s)? 10. Would you recommend this presentation to a friend? Yes No Why or why not? PRESENTERS: Scan surveys and email them to: teach@magiscenter.com or mail them to: Magis Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Christ Cathedral Tower of Hope, 9 th Floor, Garden Grove, CA 92840 23 Magis Center 2017
Presentation 19: Why Would an All-Loving God Allow Suffering? PRESENTER SURVEY Table of Contents School Name Grade Level Date Please choose the answer that best fits your responses: 1. Did this presentation have voice-over (audio throughout)? yes no 2. Before presenting this, I had of this topic. much knowledge some knowledge no knowledge 3. I found the Presentation Guide in preparing for this presentation very helpful somewhat helpful not helpful Comments: 4. I found it to present this presentation. very easy somewhat easy somewhat difficult Comments: 5. My students participated in the discussions. very well somewhat well somewhat poorly Comments: 6. My students participated in the activities. very well somewhat well somewhat poorly Comments: 7. This presentation would be better if: 8. Would you like to present on other topics in this style? Yes No If so, which topic(s)? 9. Would you recommend this presentation to a colleague? Yes No Why or why not? PRESENTERS: Scan surveys and email them to: teach@magiscenter.com or mail them to: Magis Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Christ Cathedral Tower of Hope, 9 th Floor, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Magis Center 2017 24
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CC P2 PRESENTATION GUIDE What is CREDIBLE CATHOLIC? CREDIBLE CATHOLIC is a Magis Center 20-module curriculum designed to confront the secular and anti-religious challenges of our culture head on. It is correlated to the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as follows: Part One (Catechism of the Catholic Church - CCC): The Profession of Faith CC1 Scientific Evidence and Philosophical Proof of God s Existence CC2 Medical Evidence and Philosophical Proof of a Soul CC3 Proof of Jesus Resurrection and Divinity CC4 The Significance of Jesus Life and Teachings CC5 The Trinity, Incarnation, and the Last Things Part Two (From the CCC): The Celebration of the Christian Mystery CC6 Why Be Catholic? CC7 The Inspiration and Canonicity of the Old Testament CC8 Jesus and the New Testament CC9 The Sacraments, Part 1 The Sacred Eucharistic Liturgy CC10 The Sacraments, Part 2 Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick CC11 The Sacraments, Part 3 Marriage CC12 Sacramentals, Devotions, and Traditions Part Three (From the CCC): Life in Christ CC13 True Happiness CC14 Suffering, Spiritual Evil, and Jesus' Defeat of Satan CC15 The Seven Deadly Sins CC16 Contending with Evil Through Virtue and Prayer CC17 Personal Ethics and Social Ethics Part Four (From the CCC): Christian Prayer CC18 Relationship with Christ and Spontaneous Prayers CC19 Why Would an All-loving God Allow Suffering? CC20 Examen, Discernment, and Contemplation CREDIBLE CATHOLIC modules contain the following products: 1. Presentation - slide presentations with optional voiceovers, 2. Presentation Guide - Adds information, activities and quizzes, 3. Little Book - A summary of the Big Book and the primary source for the Presentation, 4. Big Book - 1,500+ pages in 20 volumes, the foundation of the Credible Catholic Modules. At crediblecatholic.com, everything is free online and printed materials may be purchased. 01-27-18 Magis Center 2017 16