Publisher's Synopsis
Is the existence of evil a knockout blow to belief in God? Think again. This book dismantles common objections to the Christian faith arising from suffering and injustice. From philosophical arguments to theological responses, discover a robust defense of God's goodness in a world filled with pain. Equip yourself with answers and strengthen your faith!
Inside, you'll discover:
- A clear breakdown of the philosophical and logical flaws in common objections.
- In-depth explorations of classic and contemporary theodicies (Augustine, Irenaeus, Plantinga, and more).
- Consideration of perspectives from liberation, feminist, and disability theology.
- A renewed understanding of God's sovereignty, love, and ultimate plan.
Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a curious seeker, this book will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to grapple with one of life's most profound questions.
The problem of evil stands as a persistent and formidable challenge to theistic belief, particularly for Christians. The existence of suffering, injustice, and moral depravity in the world often leads to the question: How can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God allow such things to occur? This work embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this age-old dilemma, meticulously dissecting the arguments against God derived from the existence of evil and offering robust Christian responses.This study is structured in two parts.
Part 1 provides a critical examination of the arguments against God based on the problem of evil. It begins by surveying diverse understandings of evil across religious systems and ethical frameworks, moves through secular and evolutionary perspectives, and culminates in a detailed analysis of the objections leveled against the Christian concept of God. The section exposes the logical, epistemological, and factual errors often embedded within these objections, revealing how misinterpretations of Christian theology and flawed reasoning contribute to the perceived conflict.
Part 2 delves into the rich tapestry of Christian theodicy, exploring both historical and contemporary attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with the attributes of God. From Augustine's concept of evil as a privation of good to Irenaeus's soul-making theodicy and Plantinga's free will defense, the study examines a range of theological perspectives. It also considers more recent approaches, including process theology, feminist theology, liberation theology, and disability theology, acknowledging the diverse ways in which theologians have grappled with the problem of evil in light of specific human experiences. Ultimately, this work seeks to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the problem of evil, offering not just intellectual defenses but also pathways toward faith, hope, and humility in the face of unanswered questions.
