The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God

'It would be unfortunate if the readership of this book were confined to those with philosophical interests. For its critique of 'answers' to the problem of evil, ranging from the facile to the bizarre, it should be required reading on pastoral theology courses. For its reminder of the priority of grace over works (instrumentalism) it should be taken to heart by theologians. For its deep piety (something I distinguish from selfserving, effervescent 'spirituality'), it deserves to be read as a devotional work. There are not many recent philosophical works of which all of that can be said.' -- Alan P. F. Sell Anvil "An important contribution to the discussion of the sort of questions that the recent tsunami disaster has raised for many people. It is primarily philosophical and analytical, useful for the pastor who has to think about and answer people's questions (...)" -- Peter W. Russell "It is likely to appeal more to sailors on the sea of faith than to those complacently becalmed on the ocean of orthodoxy. But it is full of challenges that cannot be ignored, and insights that will repay further reflection." -- Dr Saxbee Church Times The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God is a significant work which exposes some discussions of the problem of evil as decadent nonsense." -- Simon Oliver TLS "This book, then, is an important contribution to the literature on the problem of evil, and is well worth reading. There is a wealth of argument here, and the second part shows a significant development of Phillips' own position." Philosophical Investigations