As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
By Jonathan Moreno. From DBSJ 22 (2017): 75-90. Republished with permission. Read the series.
The purpose of this section is to present a viable theodicy.36 However, before embarking upon this endeavor, it will be helpful to temper expectations by briefly considering the parameters and limitations of any conclusions that are drawn.
By Jonathan Moreno. From DBSJ 22 (2017): 75-90. Republished with permission. Read the series.
Grappling with the problem of evil is a notoriously dubious endeavor due in part to the complexity of the problem. Therefore, if any viable solutions are to be reached, the specific kind of evil must be recognized and defined, and the theological system in which that evil resides must be identified.
“The quotation marks in the title are not a typo. It’s an attempt to isolate and investigate a very specific question: not only ‘the question of the origin of evil,’ …but the very definition of evil itself.” - Theology in 3D
Jacob Elwart interviews Ben Edwards on the problem of evil. - DBTS Podcast
“Augustine summarized the argument in two great questions: ‘If there is no God, why is there so much good? If there is a God, why is there so much evil?’ To many, only the second question occurs. But the first is just as important.” - Randy Alcorn
An “illustration of this is the difference between light and darkness. Light actually exists. There are waves and particles; there is such a thing as light, but there is no such thing as darkness. Darkness is simply a lack of light.” - Ligonier
“…the god of evolution is an ogre who used a wasteful, brutal process to create life and the universe! At least Schneider is honest about what the evolutionary story means for theology (though, of course, he goes on to invent a way to explain evolution and a loving God).” - Ken Ham
“…every worldview under the Sun must deal with the problem of pain and suffering….. having God in the equation is humanity’s last best hope of making sense of this issue.” - Reasons
“Whatever else evil is, it is not illusory. We experience the pangs of its impact, not only in an individual sense, but in a cosmic sense. The whole creation groans, we are told by Scripture, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.” - Ligonier
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