Classical Theist

Evil abounds and so do the attempts to understand God in the face of such evil. The problem of evil is a constant challenge to faith in God. How can we believe in a loving and powerful God given the existence of so much suffering in the world? Philosophers and theologians have addressed this problem countless times over the centuries. New explanations have been proposed in recent decades drawing on resources in Scripture, theology, philosophy, and science.

In God and the Problem of Evil scholars Phillip Cary, WIlliam Lane Craig, William Hasker, Thomas Jay Oord, and Stephen Wykstra stage a dialogue between the five key positions in the current debate—classical, molinist, open theist, essential kenosis, and skeptical theism.

Edited and with an introduction by Chad Meister and James K. Dew Jr., God and the Problem of Evil hosts a generous and informative conversation on one of the most pressing issues in the Christian life.

The bold thesis of Canonical Theism is that the good and life-giving Holy Spirit has equipped the church not only with a canon of scripture but also with an abundant canonical heritage of materials, persons, and practices. However, much of the latter has been ignored or cast aside. The authors call for the retrieval and redeployment of the full range of this rich legacy. Voices from across the spectrum here chart and defend that mine of opportunity and invite the entire church to explore the benefits of their discoveries.

Ambitious in its scope and agenda, Canonical Theism offers insights that will enable the readers to discover anew the faith that has nourished converts, created saints, and upheld martyrs across the years.

Contributors include:

• William J. Abraham
• Frederick D. Aquino
• Paul L. Gavrilyuk
• Charles Gutenson
• Douglas M. Koskela
• Mark E. Powell
• Frederick W. Schmidt
• Horace Six-Means
• Natalie B. Van Kirk
• Jason E. Vickers
• David F. Watson

Unknown to many, increasing numbers of conservative evangelicals are denying basic tenets of classical Christian teaching about God, with departures occurring even among those of the Calvinistic persuasion. James E. Dolezal’s All That Is in God provides an exposition of the historic Christian position while engaging with these contemporary deviations. His convincing critique of the newer position he styles “theistic mutualism” is philosophically robust, systematically nuanced, and biblically based. It demonstrates the need to maintain the traditional viewpoint, particularly on divine simplicity, and spotlights the unfortunate implications for other important Christian doctrines—such as divine eternality and the Trinity—if it were to be abandoned. Arguing carefully and cogently that “all that is in God is God Himself,” this work is sure to stimulate debate on the issue in years to come.