In fact, this is how the problem of evil is often defined. Such problems are explored by consulting ancient and modern accounts from the fields of theology and philosophy, broadly conceived. The book of job has inspired much commentary about its presentation of the problem of evil, which is the question of how a god that is allegedly 1 allpowerful, 2 allgood, and 3 allknowing. It should be kept in mind that job is not the author. An analysis of the book of job and the problem of evil leightner, paul on. The problem of evil in the book of job servants of grace. The book of job a widely misunderstood book jeffrey radon. If we accept royces analysis of a problem, then we must accept his solution.
I attempt to clear that up by offering a different perspective than most people know today. Metaphysical evil is a problem for theism because it may seem that a perfect god would create a perfect world, and so the fact that this world is not perfect shows that such a. Kenneth seeskin job and the problem of evil in its classical form. Unlike the story ofdie fall, diere is no allegory whose meaning would. An analysis of the book of job and the problem of evil. That is because the problem of evil is the central point where philosophy. Job presents one of the most difficult problems in the bible, and while i dont proport to solve it here, i hope you enjoy my interpretation. The book of job is the first time this question the question of the problem of evil. Shes going to talk in the first session on the theodicy of the book of job.
An analysis of the book of job and the problem of evil at. Job s final speech in his own defense is probably where the book originally ended. The book of job is one of the most misunderstood books in the bible. Lewis, god, freedom, and evil by alvin plantinga, a grief observed by c.
Since the problem of evil is the greatest theological challenge christians face today, we will explore the meaning of theodicy in the book of job, christian. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. To my husband, without whom my knowledge of this problem of evil would be much more limited. Popular problem of evil books goodreads share book. She has lectured in comparative religion in several universities. A comparative and critical analysis of the story of job as. The normal analysis of the exile was that israel thoroughly deserved it. Throughout human intellectual history, this question of random and rampant suffering, technically known as the problem of evil, has remained the most potent and sustained argument for the nonexistence of god. This account of evil takes the book of job as its guide. The book ofjob takes up the issue of innocent suffering right from the start. An analysis of the concepts of pollution and taboo. In the plain meaning of the story then not only is jobs behavior not worse. The skeptical character of the symposium, with its challenge to timehonored views, most likely would have kept the book of job out of the canon of old testament writings had some additions not been made to the original book.
The problem of job and the problem of evil by espen dahl. Illustration to the book of job, william blake universal history archive. Since the problem of evil is the greatest theological challenge christians face today, we will explore the meaning of theodicy in the book of job, christian theology, and also aim to help readers to form a christian response to the problem of evil. In this article, and with this overly long introduction, we will consider specifically what the book of job has to tell us about the problem of evil and. Doc the problem of evil in the book of job bobby cohoon. In the bible, the bestknown wrestling with the problem of suffering comes to us in the book of job. The classic formulation of the philosophic problem of evil theodicy is. Elihus description of god as creator and sustainer of the world prepares the way for god. Job pronounced jobe, was a rich farmer living in the land of uz, somewhere northeast of palestine. For royce, the book of job represents the connection between particular kinds of. A major difficulty in understanding the meaning of the book is, what insight leads job to submit so humbly to god at the end. Job is a righteous, pious, and exceptionally blessed man. General interest the problem of job and the problem of evil by espen dahl. In this article, and with this overly long introduction, we will consider specifically what the book of job has to tell us about the problem of evil and suffering in relation to god.
Theodicy and the book of job the cambridge orthodox. For kant, larrimore writes, the book of job shows that the problem of evil must remain an open wound. The book of job is one of the most problematic portions of the bible and has called forth a variety of interpretations. The book of job considers physical pain, social bereavement, the origin of evil, theodicy, justice, divine violence, and reward. The problem of evil is the source of much that is truly great in religious thought and literature, perhaps because it is a problem with.
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