A Critical Theological Examination of Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy’s Soteriology in Light of the Coexistence of Gratuitous Evil with the Benevolence and Sovereignty of God

Abstract

The task of theodicy is the ongoing effort to rationalize the coexistence of God, with all his attributes, and evil. This research examines Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy, identifying inherent weaknesses in the theodicy, and proposing revisions to eliminate the weaknesses. The resultant revised Creation-Order Theodicy provides for the salvation of all who would be saved and upholds the benevolence and sovereignty of God, while affirming the coexistence of gratuitous evil. This research employs an integrative theology methodology, drawing from multiple fields to construct a holistic resolution. Beginning with an examination of Little’s Creation-Order Theodicy and then to both historical and contemporary theodical theories, comparisons and contrasts are made to extract, or formulate, biblically and theologically sound doctrine. The contributory elements of both historical and contemporary theodical doctrine, in both original and revised formulations, are introduced back into the dialectic circle, effecting the revision of Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy. Having theologically and systematically formulated revisions to the Creation Order Theodicy, the revisions are evaluated against theories of significant monotheistic theodicists and Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy to determine if the revised theodicy better addresses soteriology in light of the coexistence of gratuitous evil with the benevolence and sovereignty of God. The resultant revised Creation-Order Theodicy provides sound biblical, theological and logical solutions to the weaknesses found in Little’s original Creation-Order Theodicy. Lastly, the contribution of the revised Creation-Order Theodicy to theology is examined and suggestions for further research are recommended.