GOD AND A WORLD OF NATURAL EVIL: THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE IN HARD CONVERSATION

This is the text of 2022 Boyle Lecture. After some acknowledgements, it introduces theological problem suffering nonhuman creatures in natural world as described by evolutionary science. It sets aside neo-Cartesian objection that this should not be considered real. The lecture then considers, and initially rejects, theodicies based on form fall event. An account offered premise Darwinian evolution was only way God could have given rise to a biological containing sorts values we observe. Although remains preferred basis for an theodicy, consideration finally extent which certain phenomena, such parasitism, cancers, viral infections, might thought exhibit resistance divine will. tentative suggestion made derive from temptation spiritual powers, thus incorporating into overall only-way element angelic fallenness.