Thrilling MPhil survey questions on the problem of evil

Whistler, BC

As some of you know, I completed questionnaires for both my PhD and MPhil research theses through Wales. Below are some selected survey questions from my MPhil.

For a change of pace, I included questions and subjects dealing with the problem of evil that have been dealt with less than some other topics on my blogs. In other words, I deleted questions primarily dealing with hell, free will and determinism which have been discussed in many articles.

I plan to publish my PhD questionnaire once the thesis is passed.

http://thekingpin68.blogspot.com/2006/01/mphil-wales-2003.html

CHAPTER SIX

Conclusion

1. The Survey

For my surveys, I have received fifty each, completed of Anglicans and Baptists who have attended a post-secondary denominational college, University or seminary, or are members of one of those denominations who have studied religion at a post-secondary level.

There were no other stipulations I set in drawing up the survey. I was not concerned with age, sex or theological position. I was simply looking for people who met the educational and denominational requirements. I used both regular mail and email to send out the questionnaires, and received back forms via both formats.

For my interviews, I selected five religious leaders from each denomination. These were a combination of people that I knew via my previous educational experiences, churches I had attended, and people that I had contacted via the Internet.

The findings from the surveys and interviews, and the examination of the four authors will shed light on the problem of evil and how it is being considered within two Christian groups. The statements within my survey were a result of my research on the problem of evil. I thought it best to make statements which seemed obviously required for the topic, and I wanted them to appear in a logical order. As well, I wanted to avoid only making statements that supported my own viewpoints on the topic. This means that I would make statements which could support an opposite viewpoint to previous statements. I wanted to demonstrate understanding of other viewpoints from my reading and, as well, I wanted the person filling out the survey to see a logical connection between statements and, that for the sake of consistency, to agree with one statement would sometimes mean that they could not agree with another.

I realize that this could be difficult for a person answering the questionnaire that had not researched the problem of evil, nor read any of my work, but I think a logical consistency in answers demonstrates better understanding of the topic. As well, a problem with the survey method is that the statements are short and do not always explain the full context of what is being stated. This can lead to confusion when answered. I was not, as accused by one person who answered my survey, trying to confuse Christians! I was simply attempting to put across relevant important statements on the problem of evil, and staying logical within that approach.

Statement sixteen:

This statement was stated as: The only true solution to the problem of evil is through the death and resurrection of Christ. Here we have 82% of Anglicans in agreement, 8% not certain, 10% in disagreement. With Baptists, there is definitely a stronger opinion, as 96% are in agreement, with 4% not certain. I placed this statement after the philosophical statements because I believe that the true solution to the problem of evil, in practical terms, is the work of Christ. His work leads to the culminated Kingdom of God where evil is arrested. At this point, the philosophical problem may still exist, but it is rather academic!

Statement eighteen:

This statement stated: The remedy set in motion through Christ’s atoning work on the cross will not culminate until Christ’s second coming. For Anglicans, 68% agreed, 18% were not certain, 14% disagreed. For Baptists, 66% agreed, 12% were not certain, and 22% disagreed. I am in agreement with this statement that obviously Christ’s work will not be culminated until he returns and fully establishes his kingdom.

Statement twenty:

The statement was: Satanic beings are a major force of evil. There was much more skepticism concerning these beings within the Anglican camp in comparison to the Baptist group; however, the ministry of Jesus and his Apostles interacted with Satanic beings and there is no scriptural indication that these beings would not exist today. With the Anglicans, 62% agreed, 18% were not certain, 20% disagreed. With the Baptists, 92% agreed, 6% were not certain, and 2% disagreed.

Statement twenty-one:

This statement was stated: Human suffering will decrease as the Gospel’s influence increases. For Anglicans 36% agreed, 20% were not certain, 44% disagreed. For Baptists, 36% agreed, 14% were not certain, and 50% disagreed.

Statement twenty-two:

This statement stated: Evil and suffering would decrease if the church were more obedient. With Anglicans, 32% agreed, 20% were not certain, 48% disagreed. With Baptists, 36% of the people agreed, 12% were not certain, and 52% disagreed. I am not dogmatic with the issue of how much evil and suffering would decrease if the Gospel had more influence in the world and if the Church were more obedient. Indeed, they are hypothetical statements, but I cautiously lean toward believing the world would be a better place if the Gospel was more prominent in it, and if Christians were less secular in their thinking and more Christ focused. It can be seen that groups can have large impact on public views. Hollywood and the New York media have had a great impact upon western society. For example, western acceptance of homosexuality and abortion on demand has likely been influenced by these two groups. So I think high profile segments of society can definitely influence morality, and morality relates to the amount of evil in society. I do think that a more prominent, loving Christian Church would limit evil somewhat within the world.

Statement twenty-seven:

This statement stated: The case of Job demonstrates that the evil experienced by an individual may not be related to their level of personal godliness. With both groups, 96% agreed and 4% disagreed.

This response is good to see because a Theology which insists that people suffering in the greatest measure are the greatest sinners, is very dangerous as it is error. Job was a very righteous man and he suffered greatly because God willed it for the greater good.

Statement thirty-three:

The thirty-third statement stated: Social conditioning plays a major part in the development of human evil. I think that social conditioning with laws, and social rules can help somewhat to prohibit sinful human nature from exploring and developing evil in greater measure. The fact that we as human beings require laws to live by, shows that our sinful nature needs to be kept in check in order to prevent greater amounts of evil from taking place.

With this statement, 62% of Anglicans agreed, with 20% not certain, and 18% disagreeing. In the Baptist group, 52% of responders agreed, while 20% were not certain, and 28% disagreed.

Funny church signs: