The Redeemed Good Defense
The Great Controversy as a Theodicy Response to the Evidential Problem of Evil
- Theology
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
"Why God?" Everyday this question is uttered in sorrow, bewilderment, or anger. This cry is the problem of suffering. It is also known as the problem of evil. It asks why a good, all-powerful God allows evil and pain. Theodicy is the name of the theological responses that seek to defend God against charges of unfairness. Traditional theodicies have been accused of intensifying the problem by claiming that God is justified in allowing evil because he uses it to bring about a greater good. This greater-good approach has been criticized in more recent times. It seems to uncomfortably align God and evil too closely together. Does God need evil in order to bring good? This study explores an alternative stream of theodicy found in the idea of cosmic warfare. In this theodicy God fights evil in its moral, physical, spiritual, and supernatural forms. This book explores the world of theodicy and its cosmic warfare forms. It navigates the theological and ethical minefields involved. Building on the idea that God is in the midst of a great cosmic controversy, it seeks to further the conversation and articulates a new alternative "redeemed good defense."
Endorsements (2)
“MacPherson’s insightful book considerably advances discussion of the problem of evil, moving beyond the traditional greater good defense to make a case for a ‘redeemed goods defense,’ which draws on the oft-neglected avenue of cosmic conflict. MacPherson’s work is a welcome addition to the growing literature of cosmic-conflict approaches to the problem of evil.”
“Anthony MacPherson performs three timely and remarkable services in his new book. First, he gives a representative overview and competent assessment of the subject. Second, he restores the cosmic framework of the biblical story to its rightful place, showing that the reality of evil cannot be described without paying attention to the evil one. Third, his book comes at a time that needs it badly.”
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