The question of how to reconcile the existence of evil with a benevolent God
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Greg explains a three-point response to the problem of evil, then he talks to callers about a strategic question to ask someone who doesn't trust the Bible because he thinks anything touched by man has been tainted, and whether Acts 17:26–27 is a good proof text for Molinism. Topics: Commentary: A three-point response to the problem of evil (00:00) What's a strategic question to ask someone who doesn't trust the Bible because he thinks anything touched by man has been tainted? (36:00) Is Acts 17:26–27 a good proof text for Molinism? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show: Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Related Links: How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall No “Lost” Books of the Bible by Greg Koukl
Send us a Text Message - include your name! Did God create cancer? In this episode of Faith Over Breakfast, Pastor Eric and Pastor Andy do their best to wrestle with that question. They draw from Augustine and Irenaeus, and they talk through sin, brokenness, creation, and the bigger “cosmic” storyline that shapes how Christians have understood evil and suffering. Along the way, they bring in themes from relational theology and try to speak with both honesty and care. You may still have questions when it's over, but the conversation will give you a thoughtful place to stand as you keep asking them. Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW BEYOND SUBSCRIPTIONS1. CASH APP2. Justgive"Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" is a weekly podcast where Pastors Andy and Eric come together over a imaginary delicious breakfast to talk about faith, food, sermons, culture, and more. In each episode, the pastors delve into thought-provoking topics and offer inspiring insights and practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. With occasional guests joining the conversation, "Faith Over Breakfast with Pastors Andy & Eric" provides a unique perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in today's world. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or just starting on your faith journey, this podcast is the perfect companion for your morning routine. So join Pastors Andy and Eric each week as they explore the intersections of faith, food, and life over a delicious breakfast.Support:https://www.buzzsprout.com/97804/support
Why does a good God allow a world that hurts so much? In this message, we will wrestle with one of life's most difficult questions, what Christians have long called the problem of evil. Ecclesiastes refuses to give easy answers to this problem (or question), and instead meets us in the tension between pain, humility, and hope. If you've ever struggled to understand suffering, injustice, or silence in the middle of prayer, you are not alone. Together, we will explore why our hearts long for justice, why our understanding is limited, and what God promises to do about evil.Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1 ESV
How can we explain the existence of evil? Skeptics argue that this question destroys Christianity. Today, R.C. Sproul explains that the problem of evil actually requires the existence of a good God. Request a Christian apologetics bundle with your donation. We'll send you the book A Field Guide on False Teaching, plus R.C. Sproul's video teaching series Defending Your Faith. You'll also get digital access to all 32 messages, the study guide, and his 4-message series Christian Evidences: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/ Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook, both digital teaching series, and the digital study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Meet Today's Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Mike and Ben have a chat about the weekend's bible passage in Matthew's Gospel and the nature of power, evil and God's plan to make all things good! King's Church is here to invite all people into an ever growing relationship with King Jesus. We have worship services at 9am and 11am each Sunday - you should come along...! We'd love to see you. This Sunday - we meet Jesus' cousin! Matthew Chapter 3 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203&version=NIV Enjoy the pod? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment or drop us an email on exploremore@kingschessington.org YouTube - www.youtube.com/@KingsChurchChessington website - www.kingschessington.org email - exploremore@kingschessington.org
Pearls in the Deep: How the Quran Solves the Problem of Evil and Suffering by Radio Islam
I finished my thoughts on how Christians can deal with the emotional problem of evil, which wraps up this sub-series on the problem of evil. I explored the different purposes God has for evil, give some perspective in light of eternity and the cross, and God's plan for ultimately solving the problem of evil. Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
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Pastor Jeremiah walks us through the purpose God has in evil and what God's answer to the issue is.
Evil brings with it suffering and emotional pain. How are we to deal with this? I contrast the atheist worldview with the Christian worldview on this matter. Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
Pastor Jeremiah walks us through why there is the amount of evil there is in this world.
The Book of Job calls us to trust God with the bigger picture.
I've offered a theodicy for moral evil, but what about natural evil? Why does God allow for suffering caused by natural disasters, disease, and accidents? Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
Dr. Craig Mullen joins us to discuss how we can continue to see the mercy of God, even when children suffer the horrors of cancer. Father finishes with Timely Thoughts. Show Notes Childhood Cancer and the Problem of Evil - The Society of Catholic Scientists Why didn't God heal Mom? The Problem of Evil: The Aquinas Lecture by Errol Harris Saint Thomas and the Problem of Evil (Aquinas Lecture 6) - Jacques Maritain Psalms and Compassions: A Jesuit's Journey Through Cancer When a Kid Like Me Fights Cancer What Happens When My Sibling Has Cancer: A Book for the Brothers and Sisters of Pediatric Cancer Patients): Olsher, Sara Support4Families for Children & Parents | Crossroads4Hope Support Networks for Parents of a Child with Cancer - Together by St. Jude™ The Problem of Pain: Lewis, C. S. PDQ® Cancer Information - NCI iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!
In the second week in addressing the problem of evil, Pastor Jeremiah turns our attention to the evil we see around us that we seemingly do not have any participation in.
I begin a series of episodes on the problem of evil. In this first episode of the series, I discuss a number of important issues. This includes: What is the problem of evil? How is the problem presented in the form of arguments?What are some important things to know about this issue?
Send us a textDivine hiddenness presented by JL Schellenberg has been one of the more recent challenges to the existence of God. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Max Baker-Hytch, one of the prominent voices in the philosophy of religion to discuss this challenge and how it can be approached. Support the show--------------------------If you would want to support the channel and what I am doing, please follow me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christianityforall Where else to find Josh Yen: Philosophy YT: https://bit.ly/philforallEducation: https://bit.ly/joshyenBuisness: https://bit.ly/logoseduMy Website: https://joshuajwyen.com/
I wrap up my examination of the Free Will Defense and conclude that it succeeds. In the course of the discussion I explore why believers will not sin in heaven. I present two different explanations that Christians have offered, and reasons for preferring one over the other. Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
Pastor Jeremiah seeks to answer, what is the origin of evil, in this first of a four part series.
In the last episode, I offered the Free Will Defense (FWD) as an explanation for why God might allow evil: God cannot create free creatures who are unable to choose evil. The example of God, however, calls this logic into question. He is free, and yet He cannot sin. Is the FWD cooked, or is there a reason why God cannot - but we can - choose evil? Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
GOD: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher - The Podcast, S1
Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this year-end intimate dialogue, philosophers Jerry L. Martin and Abigail L. Rosenthal return to one of the most enduring questions in philosophy and theology: why evil persists, and what that persistence reveals about God. Drawing on Jerry's prayer experiences and Jon Levenson's Creation and the Persistence of Evil, the conversation explores the idea of an evolving God—not as a denial of divinity, but as a way of understanding divine struggle, incompleteness, and ongoing relationship with the world.Moving through Jewish thought, rabbinic midrash, and biblical interpretation, Jerry and Abigail consider divine ambivalence and the intimacy implied in speaking to God as a family member rather than a distant abstraction. Abigail reflects on her own philosophical autobiography, "Confessions of a Young Philosopher," while Jerry situates God and Autobiography within a broader narrative of God's interaction with cultures, histories, and individual lives.The dialogue turns to skepticism and epistemology, questioning whether modern habits of doubt genuinely reflect how human beings know and live. Against intellectual posturing, the episode argues for sincerity, trust in experience, and the moral seriousness of truth-seeking. Love, in particular, emerges not as a distraction from philosophy but as a decisive mode of knowing—one that reshapes memory, reframes the past, and opens new ways of understanding both God and the self.This conversation closes the year by inviting listeners into a deeper form of spiritual inquiry—one grounded in history, relationship, and lived truth rather than abstract certainty.Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedRead the book: God: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher at godanautobiography.com or AmazonShare your questions and reflections: questions@godanautobiography.comShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
GOD: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher - The Podcast, S1
Questions? Comments? Text Us!In Episode 263 of God: An Autobiography, The Podcast, philosopher Jerry L. Martin reflects on one of the most enduring and difficult questions in philosophy and theology: the problem of evil.In this From God to Jerry to You episode, Jerry describes a pivotal moment near the end of his spiritual journey, when what he calls the “impossible puzzle” finally came together. Drawing on John D. Levinson's Creation and the Persistence of Evil, Jerry explains how God affirmed a radical insight—that the world, and even God's presence within it, can be understood as incomplete and still unfolding.The episode introduces two complementary ways of seeing reality: a horizontal perspective, in which struggle, disorder, and moral effort unfold over time, and a vertical perspective, in which ultimate meaning, goodness, and victory are already present. Through this lens, human action—acts of obedience, love, and partnership with God—becomes essential to the healing and completion of the world.Jerry also reflects on the Kingdom of God, not as a distant future event, but as a living reality made present through love. Seen in this light, Jesus is not merely a historical figure, but a cosmic presence—one who embodies God's full presence in the world and serves as a conduit to the Kingdom of God.This episode offers a thoughtful, non-reductionist approach to suffering, meaning, and faith, and will resonate with listeners wrestling with the limits of purely material explanations of reality.Listen, reflect, and experience the world from God's perspective — as it was told to a philosopher.Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedRead the book: God: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher at godanautobiography.com or AmazonShare your questions and reflections: questions@godanautobiography.comSubscribe and lShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
I've demonstrated that evil doesn't make God's existence impossible or even unlikely, but one might wonder why, if God exists, He permits evil. What is the purpose? This is the question of theodicy. I cover five reasons God might permit evil:1. To better our souls via moral growth (soul-making theodicy)2. To bring glory to God3. To make moral freedom and love possible4. To make happiness possible5. To reveal more of God to usWeb: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
Mark 14:26-42 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the theodicy of Jesus's prayer in the garden. P.S. A theodicy is a defense of God in the face of evil in the world.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23677The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
Gavin Ortlund responds to Jon Stewart's reflections on belief and explores why the problem of evil raises even harder questions for atheism than for theism.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/
The evidential problem of evil falsely assumes that if God had a purpose for permitting the amounts/kinds of evil we see in the world, we would be able to discern what those reasons were. The bottom line is that so long as the existence of evil and the existence of evil are logically compatible, there is no good reason to think that greater amounts of evil make God's existence more unlikely.I also discuss gratuitous evil. Some think that God can't exist if gratuitous evil exists, but this presumes that every evil must produce some good for it to be justified. The theist is not committed to such a proposition.Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
While there may be no logical incompatibility between a theistic God and evil, can certain amounts or kinds of evil make it highly unlikely that theism is true? That's the claim of the evidential problem of evil. In this episode, I examine the claim that there is too much evil in the world to think that God exists. Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
J. Warner Wallace examines the classic problem of evil and offers a cumulative case response. In this final of four related broadcasts, J. Warner examines the role our limited, finite knowledge plays in inhibiting our ability to understand why God might allow evil. J. Warner also discusses the need for a righteous, objective standard of "good" by which we could judge something to be "evil". Is evil an exculpating evidence or does evil necessitate the existence of God? For more information about the cumulative case for the existence of God and the problem of evil, see J. Warner's book, God's Crime Scene.
I finish my discussion of the logical POE, showing how evil is actually one of the best evidences for God's existence – not against God's existence, and showing how the atheist's answer to the problem of evil is far less satisfactory than the theist's.Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
J. Warner examines the role that evil plays in drawing people to God and the nature of evil and suffering as a consequence of sin. For more information about the cumulative case for the existence of God and the problem of evil, see J. Warner's book, God's Crime Scene.
In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Broadcast, J. Warner Wallace examines the classic problem of evil and offers a cumulative case response. In this second of several related broadcasts, J. Warner examines the roles that love and character development play in helping understand why an all-powerful, all-loving God would allow evil to exist in the universe. For more information about the cumulative case for the existence of God and the problem of evil, see J. Warner's book, God's Crime Scene.
Evil makes life hard to grasp, but it always points to what is good.
Is the presence of evil in our world evidence against the existence of God? How could an all-good and all-loving God allow so much evil?In this episode, I begin to evaluate the logical problem of evil. I discuss what evil is (a privation of good), the different kinds of evil, and why the logical problem of evil does not succeed in undermining theism or proving atheism. Web: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
J. Warner examines the role eternity and free agency play in helping understand why an all-powerful, all-loving God would allow evil to exist in the universe. For more information about the cumulative case for the existence of God and the problem of evil, see J. Warner's book, God's Crime Scene.
Is the presence of evil in our world evidence against the existence of God? How could an all-good and all-loving God allow so much evil?In this 1-N-Done episode, I tackle this problem head-on. I cover:Why there is no logical incompatibility between God and evilEvil is actually evidence for God's existence, not against itTheism offers a better solution to the problem of evil than atheismExplore some reasons God may permit evilOffer principles to help people endure evil and sufferingWeb: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve
The message was delivered on Sunday, October 13, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. When suffering strikes the innocent, where is divine justice? Throughout history, religions have offered comforting explanations—karma, God's plan, divine purpose—yet reality tells a different story. A mother loses her son to war, a child is taken by a drunk driver, families lose everything to circumstance beyond their control. If goodness cannot shield us from tragedy, is God a cosmic accountant, an indifferent force, or something we've misunderstood entirely? Through the ancient struggle of Job and the raw experiences of those who have faced life's cruelest inequities, discover why the question "why?" may not be the only question to ask—and what response actually matters when faith confronts unfairness. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:
In a packed feedback episode, we consider time, baptism, re-writing scripture, the omniscience of God and the problem of evil. Among other things. Also Nick has his nerd buttons pressed, and Joe has a new heretical disorder. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog Mentioned in this episode: Minster in Sheppey Traitors BBC Marcion Thomas Jefferson bible The Long Walk Thomas Kelly - A Testament of Devotion Wild at Heart Episode 51: The Mystery of the Cross Episode 50: The Scandal of The Cross Episode 154: An interview with Brian McLaren – Part 1 Episode 155: An Interview with Brian McLaren – Part 2 John Smith - an excerpt from Nick's book A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation
Fr. Dan Reehil helps us process God's sovereignty and goodness in a world dominated by evil. Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code EXFILES at www.cowboycolostrum.com. #CowboyColostrumPodGet $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/EXFILESHeavenMeetsEarth.comThe Vault- ExorcistFiles.SuperCast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On September 10th, 2025, in front of over 3,000 students on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, a lone gunman took the life of Christian and political activist Charlie Kirk. Why would God allow such a tragedy to happen? Watchman staff recently traveled to Utah and visited the campus of UVU. On this special episode of Apologetics Profile, Watchman Fellowship senior apologist Dr. Brady Blevins helps us make sense of the tragedy. © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Apologetics Profile is a production of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., Arlington, Texas (Watchman.org).
Urban Hannon, Taylor Patrick O'Neill, and Matthew Dugandzic answer your questions about God's permission of sin and damnation, the morality of investing in the stock market, and the identity of the (Pseudo?) Dionysius.To submit your questions about whatever for a future episode, email us at thequodlibets@gmail.com.Be sure to follow the Sacra Doctrina Project on Facebook and Twitter as well.
In episode 273 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Yujin Nagasawa to discuss his new book, The Problem of Evil for Atheists. It's a fantastic book that summarizes the start of the art of the problem of evil literature in the philosophy of religion but it also breaks new ground as Dr. Nagasawa advances new problems of evil for atheists and multiverse pantheists, as well as traditional theists. He also points to some ways to get past these problems, especially for theism. Find the book open source here: https://academic.oup.com/book/56378→Sponsors/Discounts Check out https://murdycreative.co/PARKERNOTES and use promo code PARKERNOTES at check out for 10% off your entire order!!Grab a Field Notes notebook or memo book wallet like the one from the video from my affiliate link here to support my work and use promo code PARKERNOTES for 10% off your entire order: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/daily-carry-leather-notebook-cover?aff=44I'm finally a Saddleback affiliate so if you like their stuff buy something from my link and you can also support my work! Check out the catalog here: https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-moleskine-cover-medium/?ktk=d0pac01BLWJmZWY1MmZiYTFiJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA/joinJoin the Facebook group, Parker's Pensées Penseurs, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/960471494536285/If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_penseesIf you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal: https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspenseesSub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
The horrific school shooting in Minnesota is raising the veil on mental health and transgenderism. The largest Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas closed this week due to budget shortages. And Friday is the global premiere of the Truth Rising documentary. Recommendations Truth Rising Segment 1 - The Tragedy of the Minnesota School Shooting Christian Post: ‘Pure evil': Christian leaders react to Minneapolis Catholic school shooting The World and Everything in It: August 29, 2025 Breakpoint: Worldviews and Tragedy Segment 2 - Planned Parenthood Clinics Closing Dozens of Planned Parenthood Clinics Closed in 2025 Christianity Today: The Biggest Planned Parenthood in the Country Is Closing Family of teenager who died by suicide alleges OpenAI's ChatGPT is to blame PEOPLE: College Student Speaks Out After AI Chatbot Allegedly Told Him to ‘Please Die': ‘I Freaked Out' Bill Maher Returned From Summer Break With AI On His Mind FORTUNE: ‘Godfather of AI' says tech companies should imbue AI models with ‘maternal instincts' to counter the technology's goal to ‘get more control' Civilization: The West and the Rest by Niall Ferguson Segment 3 - Truth Rising Documentary Release Truth Rising documentary updates The Truth Project WORLD: Truth rising and a call to renewal Breakpoint: Broadening Death and Cheapening Life: The Organ “Shortage” Submit a question to Breakpoint here! __________ Get digital access to the 2025 Colson Center National Conference at colsoncenter.org/august. Stay up to date on Truth Rising, premiering September 5, at truthrising.com/colson.
From philosophy to science, metaphysics to psychology, the idea of 'nothing' is central to the universe, existence and experience as a whole. But the nature of 'nothing' is even more bewildering than we might first imagine. Parmenides argued that non-being is impossible because thinking about nothing is still something. Join philosopher Peter van Inwagen in this talk as he explores the metaphysics of 'nothing'.Peter van Inwagen is one of the leading figures in contemporary philosophy. Known for his thought-provoking contributions to metaphysics, the philosophy of religion, and the free will debate, van Inwagen has shaped modern discussions around determinism, the problem of evil, and the existence of God. With key works like An Essay on Free Will and Material Beings, his ideas continue to influence both scholars and curious thinkers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Can your worldview hold up? _____________ Get digital access to the 2025 Colson Center National Conference with a gift of any amount at colsoncenter.org/august.
In this episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. William D. Dennison, pastor of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Kent, Washington, to reflect on Cornelius Van Til's student paper “Evil and Theodicy” and the enduring challenges of explaining evil in a world governed by a sovereign, good God. Dennison has edited The Problem of Evil, a new volume that includes an edition of this paper and a helpful introductory essay that brings Van Til's paper in dialogue with contemporary thinkers. Dr. Dennison offers a deeply personal and theological meditation on Van Til's conviction that God himself is the only sufficient theodicy. We explore how the mystery of evil cannot be unraveled by philosophical speculation or evidentialist reasoning, but only understood through the revelation of the triune God in Scripture. The conversation moves from Van Til's early insights as a seminary student to the contemporary relevance of his critique of autonomy, his rejection of theistic rationalism, and his insistence on beginning all thinking with the self-attesting Christ of Scripture. Along the way, Dr. Dennison shares biographical reflections on Van Til, his own pedagogical experiences in teaching apologetics, and the pastoral importance of grounding theological inquiry in the redemptive narrative of Scripture rather than speculative philosophy. This episode is a must for those who desire to think confessionally and presuppositionally about one of the most difficult questions in theology. Chapters [0:00:07] Introduction [0:05:04] Background to the Project [0:16:55] The Historical and Biographical Context of Van Til's Student Paper [0:22:55] Van Til's Main Point [0:28:21] God Is His Own Defense [0:35:26] Van Til and Plantinga's Free Will Defense [0:41:59] The Fourfold Estate of Man [0:54:42] Van Til's Critique of Kant [0:58:40] Treating Theodicy as a Fundamentally Religious Matter [1:08:45] Conclusion