A Theodicy for a Suffering World with a Hidden God

Philip Pegan develops a theodicy in response to the problem of pain and suffering in a world with a hidden God, consistent with theological determinism and the possibility of human beings being entirely physical. It affirms that all creatures capable of suffering will eventually enjoy eternal happiness and that God can bring about an outweighing good even in the face of suffering. The theodicy is compatible with the claim that the world is unsurpassably good.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his book "A Theodicy for a Suffering World with a Hidden God," Philip Pegan explores the complex issue of pain and suffering in the world and the existence of a hidden God. This theodicy, which is rooted in theological determinism and the idea that human beings are entirely physical in nature, seeks to provide an answer to the question of why there is so much suffering in the world while God's existence remains hidden.

Pegan's theodicy is based on the belief that all creatures capable of suffering will ultimately experience a life of eternal happiness. He argues that if God allows suffering in a creature, there is an overriding good that he can bring about in that creature's life. This theodicy is compatible with the claim that the world is unsurpassably good, assuming a value realism perspective. However, it could be revised to assume a value antirealism perspective while preserving its framework and main substance.

One of the key aspects of Pegan's theodicy is his argument that suffering is necessary for the development of moral character and the ultimate realization of human potential. He suggests that without suffering, human beings would not be able to fully appreciate the good things in life and would not be motivated to seek out and achieve their goals.

Pegan also addresses the question of why God's existence is not more obvious to human beings. He argues that while God is present in the world and actively involved in human affairs, he is hidden from human perception due to the limitations of human understanding and the nature of the divine. He suggests that God's existence is revealed through the experiences of individuals and through the natural world, but that human beings often fail to recognize this revelation.

Overall, "A Theodicy for a Suffering World with a Hidden God" is a thought-provoking and challenging book that provides a theodicy for the existence of pain and suffering in the world while maintaining the belief in the existence of a hidden God. Pegan's theodicy is consistent with theological determinism and the idea that human beings are entirely physical in nature, and it offers a plausible explanation for why there is so much suffering in the world while also affirming the world's unsurpassable goodness.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 169 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666924268