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.
Feinberg’s classic treatment of the problem of evil has been a standard treatment of this philosophical issue for some time. Coming from the Augustinian/Reformed tradition, it is a vigorous defense of both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. This new edition makes an already great book even better, as Feinberg has been able to incorporate new material in his debates and conversation with people like Rowe and Plantinga. This is surely one of the most important books ever written on the problem of evil. Those who ignore it will find their own understanding of the issue impoverished, especially in light of the current discussion. —Chad Brand, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
The Many Faces of Evil presents an excellent overview and response to the logical, evidential, and existential aspects of the problem. Those who expect insightful, decisive analyses from John Feinberg will not be disappointed. Crossway Books is also to be commended for its ongoing tradition of strong scholarly publications. This is a “must read” text. —Gary Habermas, Distinguished Professor and Department Chairman, Philosophy and Theology, Liberty University
In this updated edition, Feinberg continues to press home the message that there are many versions of the problem of evil and that, in fact, there are many successful solutions to these versions as well. Feinberg gives a thorough presentation of the alternatives as well as of his own position. A valuable resource! —Winfried Corduan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Taylor University
This latest edition of The Many Faces of Evil is a gem. It provides extensive analyses of various statements of the problem of evil as well as responses that can be offered from a variety of Christian perspectives. Feinberg shows that both the problem and the response to the problem will vary, depending on one’s understanding of God and of evil. His own position is offered in dialogue with major classic and contemporary discussions of the problem of evil. —Ronald J. Feenstra, Director of Doctoral Studies, Calvin Theological Seminary
The Many Faces of Evil is a thorough, clear, and highly competent treatment of a perennial problem. At times, it is painful and moving to read. All of us can learn much from it. —Keith E. Yandell, Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin
Item Specifications...
ISBN 1581345674 EAN 9781581345674
Pages 544
Dimensions: Length: 9.1" Width: 6" Height: 1.1" Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Release Date May 6, 2004
Availability 2 units. Availability accurate as of Mar 20, 2010 06:10.
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Books > Subjects > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion [2405 similar products]
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Reviews - What do our customers think?
Thoroughly Exhausting But Well Worth the Effort Jun 11, 2008
Before you purchase this book, understand what you're getting in to. This is not a light read on the presence of evil in the world, but rather a thorough treatise on a multitude of different thoughts, opinions, philosphical defenses and theodicies that exist in the world today. Feinberg does an excellent job in defending the contemporary evangelical view on evil, but is more than gracious in giving others credit where they pose a significant objection to the faith. This is a difficult book to read and will take you a very long time to really digest. It is full of philosophy, theoretic probability, arguments, counterarguments, and the like. It is a wonderful book and one I would heartily endorse to anyone who enjoys philosophizing on complex issues of theodicy. It was an exhausting read and it seemed like it took months to complete. It is well worth the price and you will be much better informed on this hot button issue between theism and atheism that is so prevalent today.
Erudite and thorough Apr 22, 2008
This is a serious and challenging book. The author gives an exhaustive account of the main theories regarding theodicy (the problem of the existence of evil in the universe). He separates theology from philosophy/logic and parses the arguments so carefully that it can be exhausting at times to read. Nonetheless, if you are interested in the topic, it is well worth the effort to follow and understand. Although he approaches the topic from a Christian vantage point, he does a very good job of presenting and discussing the viewpoints of prominent atheist critics.
I've augmented my reading by a book about the Dalai Lama, which shows that the Buddhist theological perspective is quite different, yet the Dalai Lama is great friends with, for example, Bishop Desmond Tutu and (past tense) Pope John Paul II. Also, the Transcendentalists were greatly influenced by Hindu and Buddhist thought, and the view that "what goes around comes around" has found favor with many people in our own time. Why evil exists is a more complicated problem, perhaps.
An Amazing Look at the Argument of Evil Dec 27, 2007
I had lots of little answers for the problem of evil, but after reading this book it is amazing how much I really didn't know.
This book gives a wonderful treatment of the problem of evil with so much breadth and depth that you will feel adequately equipped to handle it.
Some parts are difficult to understand if you don't have a philosophy background, but if you put in the time to understand it is will worth it.
Highly recommend this book
Evil Explained Dec 12, 2007
In the past year or so, I have had many questions concerning God and his role in our lives, if any. I have had many of these questions because of the amount and intensity of evil in the world today. Given these questions, I was looking for a book that had some answers for me. I kept wondering how an all-loving God could allow such evil in the world with the intensity that it is today. I was lucky enough to find this book which has answered many of my questions.
Dr. Feinberg does a wonderful job of explaining that there is not just one problem of evil but there are several. He also clearly states that an answer to one of the problems may not be the answer to another problem. For instance, there is moral/logical problem of evil, the eveidential problem of evil, the problem of hell and the religious problem of evil. The moral problem of evil deals with the seeming inconsistent position that God is all good but there is evil in the world. The evidental problem deals with the argument that the amount of evil or the appearance of gratuitous evil demonstrates that there is no God. The problem of hell deals with the question of how an all good God could punish humans for sins that are finite in nature for eternity. Lastly, the religious problem of evil deals with the question of why bad things happen to good people.
All of these questions are answered in several different ways. The one thing I loved about this book is that Dr. Feinberg sets forth the arguments of atheists and then counters them from many different points of view - theonomy, rationalists, modified rationalists, theists, etc....Dr. Feinberg is not judgmental of the atheistic position (although he disagrees with it) and is not judgmental of those defenses that he disagrees with but do solved the various problems of evil. It was a pleasure to read an author that seems impartial to other views but yet has his own opinions. He also does not state that his position is the correct one. He claims that his system solves the various problems of evil but yet states that other systems do the same even if he does not agree with them.
This book was very well written. However, this is not a book that you can read through like a fiction book. This took me many weeks to read because I liked to think about what I just read. It is a slow read but one that will yield great rewards if one thinks about what one just read. I hope to find more books like this one and this is one that I will probably read again in the future.
If you are having struggles with the presence of evil in this world, then this book is one that I would recommend very stongly. It does take time but it is well worth the time and effort.
Comprehensive survey of problem of evil May 14, 2007
Comprehensive survey of philosophical/theological consideration of the conundrum, "If God is good and all powerful, why evil?". While the author admits his Calvinistic beliefs limit his view of free will, he presents other's views openly and fairly. Good survey, although the subject and arguments are difficult to follow sometimes.
