Theodicy is the theological study of the "problem of pain" as CS Lewis put it. Its looking into the question of why there is pain and suffering in the world, especially if there is a good God.
R. Maurice Barineau has written: 'The theodicy of Alfred North Whitehead' -- subject(s): History of doctrines, Theodicy
what is theodicy
Theodicy in religion means to attempt to resolve the evidential problem of evil by reconciling the divine characteristics of omnipotence, omniscience and onmibenevolence with the occurrence of evil or suffering in the world.
A theodicy is a philosophical or theological attempt to explain how a benevolent and all-powerful God can coexist with the existence of evil and suffering in the world. It seeks to provide a justification for why an omnipotent and loving God allows such suffering to occur.
Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious beliefs, while theodicy specifically deals with the problem of evil and how it can coexist with a benevolent and all-powerful deity. Theology is a broader field that includes various aspects of religion, whereas theodicy focuses on grappling with the philosophical question of why a loving God would allow suffering.
He read the questions through his Christological emphasis-- Christ as God's response to the human questions of theodicy. Specifically for Barth, this takes the form of the cross. This is God's answer. God enters, through his Word, into the human question of theodicy by becoming "the death of God himself." This emphasis is also linked to revelation as God's response of "yes" to humanity's "no". In our rejection of God, God responds, and that response is not what it should be. Instead it is the surprise of God's acceptance of us in the face of our refusal of him. Finally, Barth would emphasize the "Godliness of God" and the infinite qualitative difference between God and the world, and between the Creature and the creator as the context in which questions of theodicy are always raised. What is articulated in questions of theodicy, is at its fundamental basis, about this difference between God and the world. This difference cannot be overcome by human self-striving, and therefore the limits to our ability to comprehend an answer to the questions raised by theodicy-- what is required is a revelation that comes from outside this world-- from God himself. And for Barth, this event of revelation happens in the Word-- Christ.
It's the question how God can let horrible things happen e.g. the drop of the atomic bomb.
Theists would probably use theodicies (attempt to solve the problem of evil in the world whilst still retaining the traditional theisitic God). The two main theodicies being the Augustinian theodicy (St Augustine) and the Irenaean theodicy (Irenaeus).
Michael Stoeber has written: 'Reclaiming theodicy' -- subject(s): Catholic Church, Religious aspects of Suffering, Suffering, Theodicy 'Theo-monistic mysticism' -- subject(s): Christianity, Christianity and other religions, Comparative studies, Hinduism, Mysticism, Relations
The Old Testament addresses the question of theodicy by emphasizing the concept of divine justice and providence. It portrays God as ultimately just and sovereign, even in the face of human suffering and evil. The texts often highlight the importance of faith, trust, and obedience to God's will as a way to navigate through the complex issue of theodicy.
Michael Greiner has written: 'Drama der Freiheiten' -- subject(s): Salvation, Theodicy, Trinity
Barry L. Whitney has written: 'What are they saying about God and evil?' -- subject(s): Theodicy