The document discusses themes from a biblical literature workshop, including wisdom, prayer, and dealing with suffering. It covers topics like the problem of evil, different understandings of God, and assignments involving personal reflection papers connecting the Bible's perspective to one's own worldview. Students are asked to read sections of Genesis and 1 Corinthians and complete a reaction paper on a life after death survey.

1. Themes In Biblical Literature BIL120 Workshop 2 Glenn Johnson Welcome!

2. Wisdom Principle & Prayer I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the LORD's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will never lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:1-10)

3. If There Is A God THEODICY The Problem Of Evil Theos=“God” Dike=“Justice”

4. If There Is A God “ When Bad Things Happen To Good People”

5. If There Is A God CLASS-WIDE DISCUSSION “ When Bad Things Happen To Good People”

6. Themes In Biblical Literature BREAK

7. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil -ISSUE: How can we justify what we believe about God in relation to evil in the world? -2 Kinds of Evil -Both Types Highlighted in Luke 13:1-5

8. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil THEOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING…What Do We Mean When We Say…….. OMNIPOTENCE? GOODNESS?

9. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil NATURAL EVIL Moore, OK 1999 Tornado “ Active Will vs. Passive Will” Limited Creatures Live In Violent Energy System Chance Factors God’s Purposes Elsewhere… Not A Hedonistic Paradise Redemptive Possibilities…. Christian Hope…..

10. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil MORAL EVIL Civil Warfare in Darfur Region Genuine Free Choice Required God Respects Freedom God Does Not Create/Will Moral Evil God CONCURS in the Natural….. Demonic Influence?

11. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil HUMANS & MORAL EVIL Civil Warfare in Darfur Region Freedom Required for Goodness to be Possible Human Guilt Individual Sin Intensifies Impact of Natural Evil

12. If There Is A God The Problem Of Evil REDEMPTION & MORAL EVIL CROSS OF CHRIST: Solution CROSS & RESURRECTION (Romans 8:28) HOPE: In The End WE ONLY SEE IN PART….

13. The Old Testament Picture Of God

14. The Old Testament Picture Of God The Power of STORY and Personal Knowledge

15. The Old Testament Picture Of God GOD RELIES ON PEOPLE

16. The Old Testament Picture Of God GOD IS A CONTRACT MAKER

17. The Old Testament Picture Of God GOD IS PLUGGED INTO HISTORY

18. The Old Testament Picture Of God HISTORY WAS NOT OUTSIDE OF HIS CONTROL

19. The Old Testament Picture Of God GOD MAKES MORAL PRINCIPLE CENTRAL TO LIFE

20. The Old Testament Picture Of God GOD IS AWESOME….in the truest sense of the word.

21. Personal Verbal Presentations “Popular Conceptions of God” What’s The Picture? (Personal Verbal Presentations)

22. The New Testament Picture Of God JESUS: The “Self-Revelation Of God” JESUS: Human/Divine… READ IN CLASS: Mark 14:32-42

23. Themes In Biblical Literature BREAK

27. ASSIGNMENTS for WS3 SCRIPTURE READINGS -Read Genesis, paying special attention to 2:4-2:25 -Read 1 Corinthians, paying special attention to 15:1 – 15:58 TURN IN YOUR ASSIGNMENTS!

28. Themes In Biblical Literature Study Group Time Groups may go anywhere in the building to do group work for their project.