God, Why This Evil?

by Bruce A. Little

Overview

God: Why This Evil? examines the more traditional Christian explanation for why God permits evil in this world and offers an alternative explanation. After reviewing several greater-good explanations, that is God allows evil in order to bring about some greater good, Professor Little concludes that such explanations are neither theologically necessary nor practically helpful. In response, theological and philosophical issues related to this great question are clarified, concluding with an alternative explanation for the existence of evil in this world. The major point being that some evil may very well be gratuitous (i.e., has a reason, but no purpose), but does not count against the moral perfections of God, limit His power, or restrict His sovereignty. In conclusion, key Bible passages are examined with an application of the alternative position to the great question of why God allows so much evil in this world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761852544
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/23/2010
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Bruce A. Little is professor of philosophy of religion at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Professor Little holds a Ph.D. in philosophy of religion from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from the Columbia Biblical Seminary.

Table of Contents

Preface v

Acknowledgments vii

1 The Case in Review 1

2 The Historical Context of Greater-Good Theodicies 22

3 Review of Contemporary Theodicies 35

4 Why Greater-Good Theodicies Fail 58

5 Worldview Concepts and Theodicy 80

6 Creation-Order Theodicy 103

Afterword 126

Appendix 133

Selected Bibliography 142

Index 147

About the Author 151