Creation Research Database

Christian Theodicy in Light of Genesis and Modern Science

Mortenson, Terry (2009) Christian Theodicy in Light of Genesis and Modern Science. Answers Research Journal, 2: 13. pp. 151-167. ISSN 1937-9056

Abstract

The problem of evil is always a challenge for the Christian witness. Human suffering and moral evil are relatively easy for the apologist to explain, and the Fall of Adam is a key to that explanation. But the thornier question is that of natural evil (disasters like hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes) that kill not only people but innocent animals. In particular, if we accept millions of years of animal death, disease, and extinction before Adam was even created, how do we explain that in light of God's attributes and purposes? William Dembski has published a 54-page response to this question. He explains his reasons for rejecting the young-earth creationist theodicy and several old-earth theodicies and proposes a solution that accommodates the millions of years of natural evil which evolutionary scientists insist occurred before man appeared. This paper will analyze and critique Dembski's proposal, showing it to be inadequate and inconsistent with Scripture and contending that only the young-earth view gives an adequate and biblically sound answer to the problem of natural evil. It is therefore a powerful apologetic to make the Christian witness effective in our evolutionized world.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: B Philosophy (General) > BT Doctrinal Theology > BT1 Death and Suffering
B Philosophy (General) > BT Doctrinal Theology > BT3 Theology
B Philosophy (General) > BB The Bible > BB2 Interpretation of Genesis
Depositing User: Admin
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2026 23:47
Last Modified: 04 Sep 2026 23:47
URI: https://crsq.creationresearch.org/id/eprint/1927

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