Evil beyond Belief

From Library Journal
Given the existence of evil, is it rational to believe in God? If God knows all and is almighty, then he can eliminate evil. If he were omnibenevolent, would he not want to do so? How, then, can God exist, if there is evil? So runs a famous challenge to theism. In this lucid survey, Petrik argues strongly that the challenge can be met. He considers both the logical problemDis the existence of God logically incompatible with evil?Dand the evidential problemDdoes the amount of evil that actually exists make the existence of God unlikely? His solution to the problems emphasizes the value of libertarian free will, the coherence of which he cogently defends. Petrik explains difficult issues in a way that students will find useful. At the same time, his book manifests careful thought and will be of interest to professional philosophers. Highly recommended.DDavid Gordon, Bowling Green State Univ., OH Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Petrik's basic introduction to the philosophical problem of evil begins and ends in theism. Petrik argues that the existence of evil is neither a demonstration of the logical impossibility of God's existence nor convincing evidence of its improbability. As he proceeds, he makes a case for human freedom that is less a refutation than a dismissal of compatibilism; that is to say, the argument looks like an instance of preaching to the choir. But readers in and out of the choir will get a taste from the book of the languages and styles philosophers use in talking about the real problems posed by moral and natural evil. The book is an instance of a philosopher at work in ordinary language, which makes it a legitimate introduction for all who want to dip a toe in the cold waters of philosophy before they decide whether to plunge in. Steven Schroeder
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


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Given the existence of evil, is it rational to believe in God? If God knows all and is almighty, then he can eliminate evil. If he were omnibenevolent, would he not want to do so? How, then, can God exist, if there is evil? So runs a famous challenge to theism. In this lucid survey, Petrik argues strongly that the challenge can be met. He considers both the logical problem--is the existence of God logically incompatible with evil?--and the evidential problem--does the amount of evil that actually exists make the existence of God unlikely? His solution to the problems emphasizes the value of libertarian free will, the coherence of which he cogently defends. Petrik explains difficult issues in a way that students will find useful. At the same time, his book manifests careful thought and will be of interest to professional philosophers. Highly recommended.--David Gordon, Bowling Green State Univ., OH Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\


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