God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views (Spectrum Multiview Book Series)

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Description

Evil pervades our world, and the quest to reconcile its existence with a loving and all-powerful God has been a perpetual conundrum for believers. The problem of evil has long been a formidable challenge to faith, prompting the question: How can we trust in a benevolent deity when suffering and injustice abound? Throughout history, philosophers and theologians have grappled with this dilemma, and in recent decades, novel approaches have emerged, drawing on insights from Scripture, theology, philosophy, and science. This volume of Spectrum Multiview presents a dynamic dialogue between five prominent perspectives on the problem of evil. Phillip Cary advocates for a classic view, rooted in the Augustinian tradition, which posits that God permits evil to further the grand narrative of divine providence and ultimate redemption. William Lane Craig proposes a Molinist view, which incorporates God's middle knowledge to explain the coexistence of evil and divine sovereignty. William Hasker's open theist view rejects determinism, portraying God as a risk-taker who does not possess foreknowledge of future events. Thomas Jay Oord's essential kenosis view presents a comprehensive theodicy, arguing that God's power is limited by the autonomy of creatures, thereby preventing unilateral prevention of evil. Finally, Stephen Wykstra's skeptical theist view questions the very attempt to provide a theodicy, suggesting that human understanding is insufficient to grasp God's purposes. Edited by Chad Meister and James K. Dew Jr., God and the Problem of Evil offers a rich and informative exchange on this pressing issue, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the Christian tradition. The Spectrum Multiview series provides a unique platform for contributors to articulate their positions and respond to others, fostering a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of contested topics in Christianity.

Contributors

James K. Dew Jr.

AUTHOR

Chad Meister

AUTHOR

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