Faith, Evil and Meaning : The Recent History of, and Future Prospects for, the Problem of Evil

This dissertation interprets the modern problem of evil and its future prospects. Challenging the well-established discussion on this problem, I propose a new path to address what I argue is the fundamental problem of evil. My purpose is twofold: first, to argue that there is an overarching and fundamental problem of evil, in which I focus on the human need for meaning and a coherent worldview; and second, to determine how those of a Christian faith could plausibly respond to this fundamental problem and to the implications that such responses would yield. The first part of this dissertation establishes that the fundamental problem of evil is existential. I examine the function of religion and the importance of a relationship between religion and meaning-making, and I argue that theodicy might be conceptualised broadly as a way of creating and defending the meaning that is attributed to evil and suffering within the framework of religious belief. The second part of this dissertation analyses the emerging journey of the problem and responses in the form of theodicies, both within and beyond the critiques presented by notions of the end of theodicy and the death of God; this part of the dissertation also analyses antitheodicy, with its respective moral and conceptual critiques. I argue that the most obvious drawback of antitheodicy for Christians is to navigate a reasoned, genuine and devotional faith in God if denying the need for, or legitimacy of, theodicy, even in a broad sense. I determine that the need for theodicy in a broad sense is inescapable for those of a Christian faith. However, neither theodicy nor antitheodicy are comfortable stances; both are costly options. Therefore, the final part of this dissertation examines the idea that the most fitting response for Christians may be to find a midway or holistic approach that includes both religious and philosophical sources of meaning, as well as insights from both theodicy and antitheodicy. I considered this notion of a holistic approach using the work of Marilyn McCord Adams as a case study. I then analysed the works of three other thinkers that have yielded a fused or midway response that is relevant to those of faith—specifically, the work of Eliezer Berkovits, the response of Father Zosima in The Brothers Karamazov, and the work of Andrew Shanks. After analysing these attempts to reach a midway, I conclude that the most promising future prospects for discussing the problem of evil might require simultaneously re-envisioning a response to the problem as the very journey of navigating a midway, and re-envisioning popular interpretations of the Christian faith.

This work © 2025, Celeste Kumar.