Why Does a Good God Allow Evil? Or, The Problem of Evil and the Christian (Ep 166)

Today Peter Goeman is joined by Scott Christensen to talk about why a good God would allow evil things to happen in this world. Scott introduces us to the free will defense and the greater good defense, ultimately arguing that God’s glory is the best way to understand why God allows evil. Scott has written What About Evil? (P & R, 2020) and recently released a new book, Defeating Evil (P & R, 2024). The giveaway has Closed. Make sure to subscribe for content and future giveaways! Time stamps for discussion on the problem of evil: 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Who is Scott Christensen? 06:06 Why is everyone interested in the problem of evil? 12:35 Why does Scott have a particular interest in the problem of evil? 16:45 Introduction to ways people typically deal with problem of evil 25:30 Why is the free will defense so compelling to Christians? 30:50 What is the greater good defense to the problem of evil? 38:44 What are the problems with the free will defense? 51:36 Why is the greater glory defense? 01:12:45 How all this impact daily life? 01:30:05 Giveaway information and conclusion If you’re interesting in buying the new book (and you should be!), Defeating Evil, check out the following bookstores: Amazon WTS Bookstore Reformation Heritage Books If you have found the podcast helpful, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leaving a review on Itunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rating it on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also find ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bible Sojourner on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠petergoeman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information on the podcast or blog. Visit⁠⁠ shepherds.edu⁠⁠ for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.