The Triumph of God over Evil: Theodicy for a World of Suffering

by William Hasker

Overview

Noted philosopher William Hasker explores a full range of issues concerning the problem of evil. Having taken account of the current state of the discussion and squarely facing some of the most trenchant arguments marshaled by John K. Roth and D. Z. Phillips, Hasker forges a constructive answer in some depth showing why the evil in the world does not provide evidence of a moral fault in God, the world's creator and governor. A fresh and provocative contribution to the ongoing discussion of theodicy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830828043
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	03/24/2008
Series:	Strategic Initiatives in Evangelical Theology
Edition description:	Special Edition
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

William Hasker (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is professor emeritus of philosophy at Huntington College in Huntington, Indiana. He is the author of several books, including Providence, Evil and the Openness of God (Routledge).

Table of Contents

Preface
1. What Is the State of Play?
2. Does Auschwitz Change Everything?
3. Are God and Evil Compatible?
4. Can We Understand Creation?
5. Is the World Cruel?
6. Why Is Life So Hard?
7. Shouldn't God Be Doing More?
8. Can God Triumph over Evil?
Index

What People are Saying About This

William J. Abraham

"Hasker's book is a model of first-rate philosophy. Beginners are unlikely to get a better introduction to the problem of evil; Hasker is a master at summarizing and getting hold of the core of the issues at stake. Veterans will be brought up to speed on the current debate; Hasker is sure-footed and fair in his assessment of friend and foe. Through it all there shines a beautiful mind that manifests a heart on fire with honesty, compassion and robust faith."
— William J. Abraham, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University

C. Stephen Evans

"A serious and original work of philosophy that will engage thoughtful pastors, educated lay Christians of an intellectual bent, and advanced undergraduates in philosophy and theology, as well as professional philosophers."
— C. Stephen Evans, University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University

David Basinger

"This book is not simply a compilation of Hasker's earlier helpful work on the standard challenges to God's goodness allegedly posed by evil.Hasker here also offers us a thoughtful assessment of a number of recent challenges, especially those based on God's relationship with the natural order.I am especially impressed by his provocative analysis of evolution and its relationship to evil. And I feel that the type of ultimate triumph of good over evil Hasker outlines is one that rightly preserves a strong sense of divine sovereignty without diminishing our role and responsibility as humans."
— David Basinger, professor of philosophy and ethics, Roberts Wesleyan College

Editorial Reviews

"Hasker's book is a model of first-rate philosophy. Beginners are unlikely to get a better introduction to the problem of evil; Hasker is a master at summarizing and getting hold of the core of the issues at stake. Veterans will be brought up to speed on the current debate; Hasker is sure-footed and fair in his assessment of friend and foe. Through it all there shines a beautiful mind that manifests a heart on fire with honesty, compassion and robust faith."

William J. Abraham

In The Triumph of God Over Evil, Christian philosopher William Hasker provides a generally comprehensive treatment of the problem of evil and a defense of free will (or open) theism that is both coherent and eminently readable despite the complexity of the issues with which he deals.

Mark H. Mann

"A serious and original work of philosophy that will engage thoughtful pastors, educated lay Christians of an intellectual bent, and advanced undergraduates in philosophy and theology, as well as professional philosophers."

C. Stephen Evans

"This book is not simply a compilation of Hasker's earlier helpful work on the standard challenges to God's goodness allegedly posed by evil. Hasker here also offers us a thoughtful assessment of a number of recent challenges, especially those based on God's relationship with the natural order. I am especially impressed by his provocative analysis of evolution and its relationship to evil. And I feel that the type of ultimate triumph of good over evil Hasker outlines is one that rightly preserves a strong sense of divine sovereignty without diminishing our role and responsibility as humans."

David Basinger

"It is extremely readable, frequently quite persuasive, explicates difficult arguments clearly, and is extremely creative. It is not only a worthwhile read for the professional philosopher and theologian; it would make a wonderful text in any class on the philosophy of religion. This is one more exceptional achievement in a career that is full of the, and Hasker deserves congratulation for this fine effort."

Kenneth Einar Himma

"It is extremely readable, frequently quite persuasive, explicates difficult arguments clearly, and is extremely creative. It is not only a worthwhile read for the professional philosopher and theologian; it would make a wonderful text in any class on the philosophy of religion. This is one more exceptional achievement in a career that is full of the, and Hasker deserves congratulation for this fine effort."

--Kenneth Einar Himma, The Journal of Religious Studies, Volume 47, 2011

In The Triumph of God Over Evil, Christian philosopher William Hasker provides a generally comprehensive treatment of the problem of evil and a defense of free will (or open) theism that is both coherent and eminently readable despite the complexity of the issues with which he deals.

--Mark H. Mann, Religious Studies Review, March 2009

From the Publisher