The Nathan Jacobs Podcast The Problem of Evil | Free Will, Divine Will, & A World Without Sin
Mar 13, 2025
Dive into the complexities of the Problem of Evil as Dr. Jacobs explores key philosophical and theological insights. Discover the distinctions between existential and logical problems of suffering. Uncover ancient definitions of evil, from illusion to dualism and the Christian view of privation. Examine free will as a defense against evil and the implications of possible worlds. Wrestle with challenging questions about sinless worlds and divine permission for higher goods. A thought-provoking journey through moral and metaphysical dilemmas!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Problem Of Evil Shapes Belief
- The problem of evil is a central anti-proof challenging theism and must be taken seriously both analytically and existentially.
- Nathan Jacobs says its force shaped his spiritual journey and academic work on theodicy.
Personal Journey With Theodicy
- Nathan Jacobs recounts his personal engagement: the problem of evil shaped his master's thesis and doctoral dissertation on Leibniz.
- He used it as a central leitmotif in his intellectual and spiritual journey toward Orthodoxy.
Hume's Epicurean Dilemma
- Hume's summary of Epicurus frames the problem: if God can prevent evil but won't, he's malevolent; if he wants to but can't, he's impotent.
- This dilemma pressures classical theism's claims of omnipotence and omnibenevolence.