John S. Feinberg - The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problems of Evil

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John Feinbergs classic treatment of the problem of evil, The Many Faces of Evil, has been a standard treatment of this philosophical issue for some time now. Coming from the Augustinian/Reformed tradition, it is a vigorous defense of both Gods sovereignty and human responsibility in the area of theodicy. This new edition makes an already great book an even better one, 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 this issue impoverished, especially in light of the current discussion.

CHAD BRAND
Associate Professor of Christian Theology
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

This latest edition of John Feinbergs 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 ones understanding of God and of evil. His own position is offered in dialogue with major classic and contemporary discussions of the problem of evil. In chapter 14, Feinberg offers a poignant and extremely helpful description of his own struggle with evil in the face of his familys medical problems. His advice on how to help others who struggle with evil in their lives is worth the price of the book.

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

This is a book about the many problems of evil and their solutions. In this updated edition, Feinberg continues to press home the message that there are various versions of the problem of evil and that, in fact, there are many successful solutions to these versions as well. For example, he claims that theonomy or Leibnizian rationalism engender distinctive problems of evil, and that these positions do solve their logical problems, though he finds their metaphysical or theological claims to be unacceptable. Feinbergs own position is a modified rationalism, in which he contends that God could not eliminate evil and still maintain his intention of having the world populated by genuine human beings. This is a thorough and technical book, fulfilling its promise of addressing the many areas involved with the problem of evil. Feinberg once again comments on his personal situation, which adds to the interest generated by the book. A valuable resource!

WINFRIED CORDUAN
Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Taylor University

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 on this issue.

GARY HABERMAS
Distinguished Professor and Department Chairman,
Philosophy and Theology
Liberty University

The
MANY
FACES
of EVIL

THEOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND THE PROBLEMS OF EVIL

REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION

JOHN S. FEINBERG

CROSSWAY BOOKS

A DIVISION OF
GOOD NEWS PUBLISHERS
WHEATON, ILLINOIS

The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problems of Evil,
Revised and Expanded Edition

Copyright 2004 by John S. Feinberg

Chapters 17 originally published 1979 by the University Press of America

Revised chapters 17 and chapters 812 and 1415 originally published 1994 by Zondervan Publishing House

Revised and expanded edition published 2004 by Crossway Books
a division of Good News Publishers
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided by USA copyright law.

Cover design: Josh Dennis

First printing 2004

Printed in the United States of America

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.

Scripture references marked NIV are from the Holy Bible: New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the
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Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.

Scripture references marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Feinberg, John S., 1946

The many faces of evil : theological systems and the problems of evil / John S. Feinberg.Rev. and expanded ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 1-58134-567-4 (trade pbk. : alk. paper)

1. Theodicy. 2. Good and evil. 3. Providence and government of God.
4. Free will and determinism. 5. SufferingReligious aspects
Christianity. I. Title.

BT160.F45 2004

214dc22 2003026754

ML 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

To
My Wife,
PATRICIA

without whose constant love, encouragement, and sacrifice
this volume could not have been produced, and
whose life and testimony amidst affliction
are an inspiration to all who know her

1. SECTION I
   THE LOGICAL PROBLEM OF EVIL
2. SECTION II
   THE EVIDENTIAL PROBLEM OF EVIL
3. SECTION III
   THE PROBLEM OF HELL
4. SECTION IV
   THE RELIGIOUS PROBLEM OF EVIL

A nyone who has ever suffered affliction or had friends or loved ones who have suffered, has probably wondered why there should be such pain if there is a God who truly loves us and has power to do something to remedy our plight. My interest in this issue is of long standing, and it stems from several factors. First, I have seen relatives and friends suffer, and I have wondered about the riddle of God and evil. Second, as a theist very heavily interested in and involved in the study of theology, I have always considered the problem of evil to be one of the most perplexing difficulties that confronts a theist who truly wants to hold a theological position that would recommend itself as both rationally and religiously acceptable. Finally, my great love for philosophy in general and philosophy of religion in particular has continued to engender my interest in the problem. Because of this interest, I was especially pleased that I was granted permission to write on it for my doctoral dissertation for the philosophy department at the University of Chicago. The work presented in the following pages represents the fruit of that study. In the book I have argued four theses. I am certain that the one which will prove to be the most controversial is the fourth. In order to establish that thesis, I have written a new defense which I have argued renders my theological position internally consistent.