• Newsprint, markers and tape
• Leader Resource 1, Some Answers
• Two red and two green cards (or, any two contrasting colors) for each participant
• Paper and pencils

• Print out Leader Resource 1.
• Optional: Post newsprint with an explanation of how to use the red and green cards.

This activity has two parts. First, invite participants to react to eight Answers to today's Big Question. Next, challenge them to create their own answers.

Part 1. Distribute two red and two green cards to each participant (other contrasting colors will also work). Explain that the youth are to hold the cards up to respond to the Answers you will suggest for today's Big Question. Holding up one green card means, "I think this Answer is helpful." Holding up two green cards means "I think this Answer is really, really helpful." One red card means, "I do not find this Answer helpful." Two red cards mean, "I really, really do not find this Answer helpful."

Read aloud the Answers from Leader Resource 1. After each, ask participants to respond with their cards and then invite comments.

Point out, as appropriate, that each Answer is based on real beliefs that people have held at some point in time. Whether or not we share a belief, we should respect each one as a serious attempt to understand why bad things happen.

Part 2. When you have offered all eight Answers, collect the cards and distribute paper and pencils. Invite participants to propose their own ideas of why bad things happen. You might give the youth a minute or two to write their Answers, and then invite volunteers to share. Or, invite volunteers to propose Answers in the group without the writing segment.

Variation

If you have time, form small groups to propose new theories of why bad things happen and then invite them to share their answers with the entire group.