Calvinism and the Problem of Evil

by David E. Alexander (editor), Daniel M. Johnson (Editor)

Contrary to what many philosophers believe, Calvinism neither makes the problem of evil worse nor is it obviously refuted by the presence of evil and suffering in our world. Or so most of the authors in this book claim. While Calvinism has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years amongst theologians and laypersons, many philosophers have yet to follow suit. The reason seems fairly Calvinism, many think, cannot handle the problem of evil with the same kind of plausibility as other more popular views of the nature of God and the nature of God's relationship with His creation. This book seeks to challenge that untested assumption. With clarity and rigor, this collection of essays seeks to fill a significant hole in the literature on the problem of evil. The collection includes twelve original essays by David E. Alexander, James N. Anderson, James E. Bruce, Anthony Bryson, Christopher Green, Matthew J. Hart, Paul Helm, Daniel M. Johnson, Hugh J. McCann, Alexander R. Pruss, Greg Welty, and Heath White. "This book contains a vigorous challenge to the widespread belief that Calvinist views on human freedom and divine sovereignty make the problem of evil insoluble. Written by a diverse group of first-rate thinkers, the book also shows that 'Calvinism' itself is not monolithic, but a diverse movement with the resources for creative rethinking of old questions. Highly recommended." --C. Stephen Evans, University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University; Professorial Fellow, Australian Catholic University "In recent years, advocates of libertarian freedom, or Molinism, have dominated the discussion of the problem of evil in Christianity, creating a consensus that traditional Calvinism is unacceptable. The present volume counteracts that consensus by sophisticated and detailed philosophical argument of a high order. I strongly recommend it." --John Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology & Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary David E. Alexander is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Huntington University. He is the author of God, Goodness, and Evil,/i> (2012) and numerous popular and scholarly articles.   Daniel M. Johnson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Shawnee State University. He is the author of a number of articles in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and Asian philosophy.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Christianity, Christian

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2016

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Reviews

[Laurent Dv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best (if not the only) book from the calvinist perspective on compatibilism (free will, moral responsability and divine determinism = providence and predestination in the Bible), the problem of evil, the first sin. Always presenting the several possibilities of argumentation for calvinists (Edwardian, Thomists, Augustinian free will defense). Not so hard to understand, very accessible. THe best chapters are the first and the one written by James Anderson (which sum up all the answers and deal with the problem of evil generally). Built on Turretin, Piper, Aquinas, Edward, Augustine thought.

[Cole Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached this book wanting to challenge my own views. Within Christianity, Calvinists are particularly challenged by the problem of evil since it is understood that God not only foreknows, but determines all things which come to pass. Evil confronts Calvinists with three accusatory propositions:

1) Evil exists therefore God is not good
2) God must have caused the first sin
3) God is the author of sin and evil

I took particular attention to the third question. The best argument that I found which refuted its claim was the divine glory defense. First, it argued that God permits evil in order to express his divine attributes and glory which would not otherwise be experienced by people. Second, knowing God and his excellencies far outweigh the cost of evil.

While it is one coherent argument, I found myself cringing at some points throughout the book. Keep in mind, I’ve held to the Calvinist doctrines of salvation and providence for a number of years. This book was extremely helpful in allowing me to see the hermeneutic behind many Calvinistic philosophers.

Having read the book, my “Calvinism” has been challenged and I’m not so sure I’ll be a Calvinist forever. This book was, again, extremely helpful in thinking through serious issues that Calvinism has with the problem of evil. I really enjoyed it.

[Peter Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will make you think. Primarily, it is written from the perspective of Reformed believers (i.e., Calvinists) and one benefit is that it addresses the topic from the perspective of philosophy. There have been many books looking at it from a theological perspective, but most philosophers have taken the Free Will Defense as their de facto starting point in the problem of evil. This book shows that it's not because Calvinism is lacking legitimate responses. In fact, in many ways Calvinists have the better response.

As a collection of essays, some are better than others, but even the essay I like the least still prompted me to think a lot, so it was worth it. If you're a Calvinist or are arguing with Calvinists, this book is going to be beneficial.

[Jeremy Counts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough compilation of essays on the intellectual tradition of Calvinism and it's response to the problem of evil. It is a balanced book that interacts with Molinism and Libertarian Free Will from a Reformed Compatibilistic distinctive. My favorite essays were Molinist Gunslingers (Greg Welty), Orthodoxy, Theological Determinism, and the Problem of Evil (David E. Alexander), and Calvinism and the First Sin (James N. Anderson). I would recommend this book to any serious student of theology and philosophy.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This is much needed, and is a good step toward reformed philosophers developing arguments in the literature. Hopefully, this will spawn plenty more.

[Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly every essay in this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Fantastic collection!

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book written by professional philosophers for professional philosophers. Thus it is one of the more challenging books I've read in recent years. But nevertheless I am very thankful for it. I would have never guessed there were that many Calvinistic philosophers at state universities. Some of the essays are definitely easier to read than others but I found this volume very encouraging. No belief system answers everything we would like to know about evil and suffering. But Calvinism offers the best explanation we have this side of heaven.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag. The Alexander, Helm, McCann and Anderson essays are good as expected; the last essay on self-attestation is surprisingly bad and I don't think it should have been included.