GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

Which book of the Bible is used as a source of wisdom and authority for the existence of suffering?

1. Exodus

2. Genesis

3. Isaiah

4. Revelation

The correct answer is: Isaiah

The book of Isaiah is often regarded as a source of wisdom and authority concerning the existence of suffering due to its profound exploration of themes related to human distress, divine justice, and the hope for redemption. Isaiah presents a complex portrayal of suffering, particularly in the context of the Israelites’ exile and suffering, and offers insights into how these experiences can be understood within a framework of faith. This book includes passages that articulate the purpose of suffering, suggesting that it can lead to spiritual growth or serve as a form of divine discipline. Additionally, Isaiah introduces the figure of the "Suffering Servant," which has been interpreted as foreshadowing the role of suffering in the context of salvation and redemption. This perspective allows readers to comprehend suffering not merely as a negative experience, but as an integral component of the broader narrative of hope and restoration. In contrast, the other options—Exodus, Genesis, and Revelation—while they contain significant theological narratives, do not focus as explicitly on the theme of suffering and its implications for human life in the same depth as Isaiah does. Thus, Isaiah stands out as a primary source of wisdom regarding the existence and significance of suffering within the biblical text.