Pathways in Theodicy: An Introduction to the Problem of Evil

by Mark S.M. Scott

The problem of evil perennially vexes theology, but many theologians have abandoned the project of theodicy, or the theological explanation of evil, as either fruitless or hopeless. Academic studies on theodicy, moreover, typically succumb to theological deficiency and abstraction, often devoid of any concrete connection to Christian life and practice. In Pathways in Theodicy, designed for students and scholars alike, Mark S. M. Scott reinvigorates stalled debates in philosophy and theology through a detailed reassessment of the problem of evil and the task of theodicy and through a careful analysis of the major models and motifs in theodicy. Scott explores the strengths and weaknesses of classic and contemporary perspectives on the problem of evil and invites readers to assess the cogency and relevance of each on their own. Rather than promoting a single perspective, Pathways in Theodicy explores the plurality of options available to treat the problem of evil and the provisional and tentative nature of theodicy, which searches not for final, definitive solutions but for viable ways to move the conversation forward.

Genres: Philosophy

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

Reviews

[Brenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super clear, strong and brief introduction to the problem of evil in a providential world from a Christian perspective that honours the depth of human experience of suffering as well as the mystery of God in the world, while offering an integrative, holistic approach to the riddle of the universe.

[Neil White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an introduction into five major types of approaches to the question of evil: Free Will Defense (evil exists because God allows free will), Soul-Making Theodicy (God uses evil/suffering to grow/develop good), Process Theodicy (removes divine omnipotence and based on the philosophical model of Whitehead), Cruciform theodicy (Bonhoeffer/Moltmann and others, not so much an answer to the origin of evil as a belief of God's presence in the space with the sufferers), and Antitheodicy (a couple of moral or philosophical objections tot he question. Mark S.M. Scott in this work doesn't present an alternative or combination of these perspectives although he does provide some positive and negative aspects of each pathway in the theodicy question.

[Timothy Winterstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good introduction to the basic questions and approaches

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Solid overview of the topic.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful if you're interested in theodicy