The central thesis of this extraordinary work is that the greater-good assumption associated with Greater-Good theodicies is unnecessary to the defense of theism and has actually strengthened the argument from evil by the atheist. Author Bruce Little provides historical context for understanding the work of theodicy beginning with Augustine. Professor Little offers a critique of selected contemporary Greater-Good theodicies, highlighting certain inherent philosophical/theological weakness. The Creation-Order theodicy is presented as an alternative acknowledging the reality of gratuitous evil without compromising or redefining the moral goodness, knowledge and power of God.
