The Many Faces of Evil

547 Pages·2010·4.52 MB·English

by  John S. Feinberg

Revelation
John Feinberg’s 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
God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in the area of theodicy. This new edi-
tion 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.
—CHADBRAND
Associate Professor of Christian Theology
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
This latest edition of John Feinberg’s The Many Faces of Evilis 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. In chapter 14,
Feinberg offers a poignant and extremely helpful description of his own struggle
with evil in the face of his family’s medical problems. His advice on how to help
others who struggle with evil in their lives is worth the price of the book.
—RONALDJ. FEENSTRA
Director of Doctoral Studies
Calvin Theological Seminary
The Many Faces of Evilis 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.
—KEITHE. 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 ver-
sions 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 ratio-
nalism 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. Feinberg’s own position is a modified rationalism, in which he con-
tends 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!
—WINFRIEDCORDUAN
Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Taylor University
The Many Faces of Evilpresents an excellent overview and response to the logical,
evidential, and existential aspects of the problem. Those who expect insightful, deci-
sive 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.
—GARYHABERMAS
Distinguished Professor and Department Chairman,
Philosophy and Theology
Liberty University
The Many Faces
of Evil

T h e
Many
Faces
of Evil
Theological Systems and the Problems of Evil
Revised and Expanded Edition
John S. Feinberg
CROSSWAY B OOKS
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 1–7 originally published 1979 by the University Press of America
Revised chapters 1–7 and chapters 8–12 and 14–15 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 NIVare 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.
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Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.
Scripture references marked KJVare from the King James Version of the Bible
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

Contents
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 11
PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION 13
PREFACE TO THE THIRD (REVISED AND EXPANDED) EDITION 15
1 INTRODUCTION 17
SECTION I
THE LOGICAL PROBLEM OF EVIL
2 THEONOMY AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL 33
3 LEIBNIZ AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL 45
4 THE FREE WILL DEFENSE 67
5 SEVERAL CONTEMPORARY MODIFIED RATIONALIST 123
THEOLOGIES
6 GOD AND MORAL EVIL 165
7 GOD AND NATURAL EVIL 191
SECTION II
THE EVIDENTIAL PROBLEM OF EVIL
8 EVIL AS EVIDENCE 207
9 ATHEISTIC ARGUMENTS FROM EVIL 215
10 THEISTS AND THE EVIDENTIAL ARGUMENT FROM EVIL 261
11 THEISTS AND EVIL AS EVIDENCE (II) 303
12 EVIL AND EVIDENCE 357
SECTION III
THE PROBLEM OF HELL
13 HELL AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL 395
SECTION IV
THE RELIGIOUS PROBLEM OF EVIL
14 THE RELIGIOUS PROBLEM OF EVIL 447
15 THE RELIGIOUS PROBLEM: USES OF SUFFERING 477
APPENDIX—STRATEGY OF THEODICY AND DEFENSE-MAKING 489
NOTES 491
INDEX 533