Epistemic distance
A distance in knowledge separating humans from God, it means that God's existence is not obvious.
Counterfactual hypothesis
The idea that certain higher virtues would not exist if there were not certain bad things.
Soul-making
Process by which humans are made fit for heaven by the trials of life.
Theodicy
A defense of God in the face of the problem of evil.
Elect
The group of people who will go to heaven, this group are predestined by God.
Original sin
The idea that all humans share in the guilt of Adam and Eve's sin.
Predestination
The idea that God has already decided whether someone go to heaven or hell.
Natural evil
Evil that is inherent in the world such as earthquakes.
Moral evil
Evil that is caused by human free will, such as murder.
Inconsistent triad
Epicurus' idea the concepts of evil, a benevolent God and an omnipotent God cannot coexist.
Manichaeism
The idea that the powers of good and evil are equal. This idea is rejected as heresy by Christians.
Privatio boni
The idea that evil is not a thing but a lack of good.