Divine Control, Human Contingencies and the Problem of Evil

by Aku Stephen Antombikums

Overview

This book investigates whether open theism provides a clear and viable response to the problem of evil. To better understand open theism, classical theism, Molinism and process theism are also considered.

Responses to the problem of evil have traditionally revolved around God's goodness, justice and power. By contrast, this book argues that in order to resolve or better understand the tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom, the attributes of God have to be understood as a set. Starting from this basis, the book examines divine immutability, eternity, aseity, omniscience, omnipotence, love, and creation in order to make sense of the problem of evil. The nature of human freedom is also explored.

Divine Control, Human Contingencies and the Problem of Evil is essential reading for all scholars and researchers of the philosophy of religion especially those focusing on the problem of evil.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783031850196
Publisher:	Springer Nature Switzerland
Publication date:	06/12/2025
Series:	Palgrave Frontiers in Philosophy of Religion
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Aku Stephen Antombikums has a PhD in the philosophy of religion from Vrije University, Amsterdam

Table of Contents

Part I Searching for Adequate Answers to the Problem of Evil.- Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 Omniscience, Providence and Human Freedom in Classical Theism, Molinism and Process Theism.- Chapter 3 An Overview of Open Theism When, why and how did OT Start? What does it Present?.- Part II The Concept of God in Open Theism.- Chapter 4 The Concept of God Divine Aseity, Immutability and Eternity.- Chapter 5 Divine Omniscience, Divine Control, Human Freedom and Contingencies.- Chapter 6 Divine Omnipotence, Divine Love and the Problem of Evil.- Part III Deglobalising Theodicy.- Chapter 7 Further Reflections on God, Human Freedom and the Problem of Evil.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This book offers a wide-ranging analysis of Open Theism, canvasing its historical backgrounds, key convictions and main representatives. The study is driven by the quest for a satisfying response to the problem of human suffering. Does Open Theism provide such a response? Antombikums is critical, but yet discerns some strengths in open theism that classical theists should seriously consider.” (Gijsbert van den Brink, Profesor of Theology and Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Author of many books: “Almighty God: A Study of the Doctrine of Divine Omnipotence”, 1993; “Test All Things: The Bible, Faith, and Science”, 2023)

“In this book, Aku Antombikums provides a fresh and open-minded exploration of open-theism, particularly in relation to the problem of evil. The purpose is to see how tenable open theism is, but also to learn from it. His own experiences in Nigeria confer a certain depth and richness to his analysis that makes the book even more interesting.” (Rik Peels, Professor of Philosophy Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Author of many books: “Ignorance: A Philosophical Analysis”, 2023, “Monotheism and Fundamentalism: Prevalence, Potential, and Resilience”, 2024)