The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problems of Evil

by John S. Feinberg

In this examination of the questions posed by the problem of evil, John Feinberg addresses the intellectual and theological framework of theodicy. Beginning with a discussion of the logical problem of evil, he interacts with leading thinkers who have previously written on these themes.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

John S. Feinberg (PhD, University of Chicago) is department chair and professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of Ethics for a Brave New World (with Paul D. Feinberg) and is general editor of Crossway’s Foundations of Evangelical Theology series.

Reviews

[Shane Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hard to follow....I think one needs a degree in Philosophy to get something out of this book!

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most of the things I've been reading lately, this was a required text for a graduate course.

This book is quite comprehensive. To give you an idea, I'll provide a brief sketch.

One of Feinberg's primary goals in this book is to get the point across that (1) there are more than just one problem of evil and (2) how anyone deals with any one of those problems will depend on their particular theology.

The book is written from a Christian perspective. Feinberg is himself a moderate Calvinist, but he deals fairly with other theological systems (Hick, Leibniz, Theonomy) and draws competently and in detail from a broad range of theist and non-theist literature. Which, to that end, reading this book is so much more valuable if, either, (a) you already have a solid grasp on the relevant POE literature or (b) read the literature in conjunction with this book. Another, perhaps more useful option, would be to read broadly in important POE literature (Mackie, Plantinga, Rowe, Schlesinger, Reichenbach, Wykstra, Adams, etc.) and then re-read it as you read this book.

Unless, of course, you're already an expert in the area, to which I probably have nothing of value to add.

This is not easy to read at times, mostly because of the detailed unpacking Feinberg does for many of the arguments. But that just makes it all the more valuable.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not quite to my taste. A heavy dose of philosophical-theology, or just straight philosophy, including lot of in-depth analysis of philosophers from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Honestly, I wonder how relevant it is in that regard even now. Some of his treatment of historical figures (Boethius, Leibnitz) receive a superficial treatment. Lastly, a few of the discussions seemed almost casuistic, dismissing arguments on technicalities. On the problem of evil, I enjoyed Blocher, Evil and the Cross: An Analytical Look at the Problem of Pain quite a bit more (and at about a third of the length of this book).

[Emily Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely extensive and intense detailed reading about the problem of evil. I really enjoyed the vast amount perspectives included in this book. This was required reading for my masters class and I am very happy that it was. I am rating it 5 stars for it explains the Christian and atheists viewpoints wonderfully.

[Stephen Angliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable book on the philosophic, theological, and personal problem of evil. Goes beyond the typical devotional book. It rolls up its sleeves and tackles the difficult questions non-Christians ask, and does so in an academically respectable manner.

[Erik Engström · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is NOT a light or simple read. A detailed overview of the various problems of evil. Tackles non-Christian thoughts to evil as well.

[Joelendil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a HEAVY book. John Feinberg deals with many variations of the "How can we reconcile the existence of a good, all-powerful God and the existence of evil in the world?" question. He points out that potential answers will vary depending on one's understanding of God, morality, free will, etc. and whether one is wanting to answer the fact that evil exists (the logical problem), the seemingly excessive quantity & intensity of evil (aspects of the evidential problem), the existence of suffering in nature (the natural problem), or the suffering of the righteous (the religious problem).

For each separate problem of evil, Feinberg interacts in great detail with answers given by those who hold different theology than him and their detractors (he interacts most with Alvin Pantinga's free will defense). In most, but not all, instances he concludes that the theists' arguments are logically consistent given their theological system. He then offers and defends his own answers that fit into his theology (a moderate Calvinism). Wading through some of the detailed logical arguments can be slow going, but it is worth the effort. This book is a huge help in thinking through issues of theodicy.

[Jonathan Washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Problem of Evil (POE) has long been a source of frustrations for Theists. John Feinberg systematically and carefully discusses many different solutions to the POE in a fair and intelligent manner.
His writing is not particularly exciting, but it's generally concise and always cogent.
I do think he misses the mark regarding the free will defense - in my opinion, the most powerful defense against the POE - but he never hides the fact that his determinism and compatibilism are the driving forces behind his rejection of the FWD.
This book is worth the read, not only because it offers a broad history of many views, but also because of the depth to which Feinberg takes the reader into those views.

[Genni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good comprehensive treatment of the logical, evidential, and religious problems of evil. Throughout the book Feinberg maintains a mostly defensive stance, holding that, though vastly different, theological systems from theonomy to rationalism can consistently and internally solve the problem of evil in it's various forms.

[Anthony Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A challenging read but interesting.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better treatments on the problem of evil that I have read. Feinberg is a Reformed thinker.