Worldviews and the Problem of Evil: A Comparative Approach
The Problem of Evil
How does the Christian response to the problem of evil contrast with that of other worldviews?
Most attempts at answering the problem of evil either present a straightforward account of the truth claims of Christianity or defend a minimalist concept of God. This book is different. Inside, you’ll examine four worldviews’ responses to the problem of evil. Then, you’ll hear the author’s argument that Christian theism makes better sense of the phenomenon of evil in the world—equipping you to reach an informed conclusion.
This book’s unique approach—integrating worldviews with apologetics with theology—will give you a better understanding of the debate surrounding the problem of evil, in both philosophy and theology.
Learn to think cogently and theologically about the problem of evil and Christianity’s ability to answer its challenges with Worldviews and the Problem of Evil as your guide.
Praise for Worldviews and the Problem of Evil
Which worldview best addresses the various specifics of arguably the thorniest philosophical problem of all? In this careful and thorough analysis, Campbell probes the most central cognate dilemmas in order to evaluate the ability of each perspective to provide the best insights without avoiding the toughest sub-issues. The chief benefit of this volume is being guided through the maze by an insider. Highly recommended.
–Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, Liberty University
In his impressive new book, Worldviews and the Problem of Evil, Ronnie P. Campbell Jr. takes a novel approach to the problem, addressing the broader theological and philosophical problem of evil as it relates to four prominent worldviews: naturalism, pantheism, panentheism, and theism. Along the way, Campbell carefully introduces and charitably engages a host of theological and philosophical issues, providing a well-written and easy-to-read treatment that will be of value to both introductory and more seasoned readers.
–John C. Peckham, Professor of Theology and Christian Philosophy, Andrews University
Written in accessible and engaging prose, the book is also a robust work in comparative philosophical theology—one that considers both theistic and nontheistic perspectives. Worldviews and the Problem of Evil offers a lucid and refreshing engagement with this age-old problem.
–Chad Meister, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel University and author of Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed
Amid the sea of books dealing with the problem of evil, Ronnie Campbell’s work truly stands out. I highly recommend this creative volume for philosophers and theologians alike, and indeed anyone troubled by the problem of evil (as we all should be).
–Garrett J. DeWeese, Professor at large, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Campbell offers an impressively comprehensive argument that the reality of evil should not cause us to reject theism but to embrace it as the most adequate view.
–Jonathan J. Loose, School of Advanced Study, University of London
Top Highlights
“Evil doesn’t have to do with the corruption of the thing only but also a disruption to the order and function that God assigned to certain things within creation.” (Page 11)
“A theodicy, says John Hick, is ‘a defence of the goodness of God in the face of the evil in His world.’73” (Page 23)
“The purpose of this book is to offer a general defense of Christian theism, suggesting that it provides a more robust response to the phenomena of evil in the world than its metaphysical rivals.” (Page 24)
“Second, I aim to build a positive case for the classic Christian view that evil is the privation of the good. In recent years, the privation view of evil has fallen on hard times.” (Page 3)
“Suffering, as I’ll use it in this book, is concerned with that which occurs in human creatures; it is that which depletes the soul, keeping a person from flourishing or from having the desires of his heart. The suffering of a person may be connected to pain, either physical or mental; however, that need not be the case. If suffering has to do with a lack of flourishing or the obtaining of the desires of one’s heart, there are certain types of suffering, then, that are not tied to pain.” (Page 19)
Contents
- Untangling the Knot
- Naturalism—Evil in a World Without God
- Evil in a World Identical to God
- Evil in a World Experienced by God
- Evil in a World Created by God
- Trinitarian Theism
- A God Who Acts
- A God Who Defeats Evil
Product Details
- Title: Worldviews and the Problem of Evil: A Comparative Approach
- Author: Ronnie Campbell
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 352
- Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
- Trim Size: 6x9
- ISBN: 9781683593058
About Ronnie Campbell
Ronnie Campbell (Ph.D. Liberty University) is associate professor of theology at Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity. He is the author of For Love of God: An Invitation to Theology.