The Dilemma of Free Will and Evil

This chapter explores the philosophical tensions between free will and the problem of evil, questioning how the existence of evil can coexist with an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God. It examines historical and contemporary perspectives, including critiques of the Augustinian view and the innovative insights of thinkers like John Hick and Alvin Plantinga. The discussion highlights how these debates have evolved, focusing on the implications of divine attributes in light of human suffering and the moral choices involved.