God and the Problem of Evil

This volume examines one of philosophy of religion's most enduring challenges: how to reconcile belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, and morally perfect God with the existence of evil and suffering. Edited by James K. Dew Jr., the collection brings together diverse philosophical perspectives on the problem of evil, presenting both classical formulations and contemporary responses within the theistic tradition.

The work addresses the logical problem of evil, which claims that God's traditional attributes are logically incompatible with evil's existence, and the evidential problem, which argues that the amount and distribution of evil make God's existence improbable. Contributors examine various theodicies—attempts to justify God's permitting evil—including the free will defense, soul-making theodicy, and greater good arguments. The volume particularly engages with skeptical challenges from philosophers like J.L. Mackie and William Rowe, whose formulations of the problem have shaped modern debate.

Methodologically, the collection employs analytic philosophy's tools, focusing on conceptual clarity and logical rigor. Authors dissect the coherence of divine attributes, examine modal logic's application to possible worlds, and evaluate probability calculations regarding evil's evidential weight. The work situates these discussions within both historical theology and contemporary philosophy of religion, drawing on sources from Augustine and Aquinas to Plantinga and van Inwagen.

The volume's significance lies in its comprehensive treatment of theistic responses to evil. While acknowledging the emotional and existential dimensions of suffering, contributors primarily focus on the rational defensibility of theism. They explore whether perfect being theology can withstand the challenge of horrendous evils, natural disasters, and apparently gratuitous suffering. Some chapters defend classical theodicies, while others propose novel frameworks, such as skeptical theism, which questions human capacity to assess God's reasons for permitting evil.

By gathering multiple perspectives within a broadly theistic framework, the work advances the debate beyond simple assertion and denial. It demonstrates how contemporary theistic philosophers engage seriously with evil as a potential defeater for religious belief while maintaining that rational belief in God remains possible. The collection serves as both an introduction to the problem and a contribution to ongoing scholarly discussion, showing how theists can acknowledge evil's genuine challenge while defending their worldview's coherence.