Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed - 2nd Edition by Chad V Meister (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed is a lively examination of the philosophical and theological problems raised by the existence of widespread evil. It explores classic debates around this problem and also engages with more recent ones, from new challenges posed by scientific advances in evolutionary theory, neuroscience, and cosmology, to concerns of climate change and environmental degradation, to questions raised by increasing religious and secular violence. This second edition also contains new chapters and topics such as Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to evil and skeptical theism. The result is an even-handed guide to both traditional and contemporary issues raised by the reality and ubiquity of evil.

Review Quotes

"An accessible, lucid examination of the theological problems evil causes as it manifests itself in various forms, this second edition of Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed adds chapters on topics such as Jewish, Christian, and Islamic responses to evil and skeptical theism ... The text is particularly engaging because it wrestles not only with older theodicies but also with modern-day issues that intersect with the notion of evil ... Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates; professionals." --CHOICE

"...provides a worthwhile introduction, overview, and a continuing practical guide to the ever challenging theme of evil and, entices the reader to probe, ponder, hunger, adventure, and risk for more." --Reading Religion

"Meister's second edition of Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed maintains the lucidity and brilliance of the first edition with significant new material on cutting-edge contributions to thinking about evil from the standpoint of the Abrahamic faiths that also engages secular humanism, Hinduism and Buddhism. This is the best current, fair-minded, single-authored book on the philosophical and religious problem of evil available." --Charles Taliaferro, Professor of Philosophy, St. Olaf College, USA, and co-editor of A Dictionary of Philosophy of Religion (Bloomsbury, 2 ed 2018)

"A wonderfully accessible introduction, combining lucid exposition of the most important philosophical literature with balanced critical evaluation of the arguments. A truly outstanding resource for tackling this perplexing subject." --John Cottingham, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Reading, UK

"Meister has produced the most comprehensive and accessible book on evil currently available. Whilst most treatments of evil within philosophy of religion revolve around theodicies, Meister gives extensive consideration to the hiddenness of God, to atheistic arguments, and to Hindu and Buddhist responses to evil and suffering; all of which take him into further territory, including that of religious experience and neurological accounts of religious belief. Written in Meister's characteristically clear style, this book will be an invaluable resource for people of all faiths and none." --Rev. Dr. Harriet Harris, Chaplain to the University of Edinburgh, UK

"[Meister's] book is a comprehensive and informative introduction to the problem of evil ... [T]his is an excellent guide for the general reader, for preachers and parishioners, for professors and students, and for those who are looking for resources and inspiration to write a dissertation on this subject." --James Moulder, Catholic Theological College, Australia, Theology

"Chad Meister's Evil: A Guide for the Perplexed is a clearly written and informative introduction to the problem of evil. It presents the most important recent developments in thinking about the problem of evil in a way that is accessible to anyone with an interest in the topic. While many books claim to do this, Meister's book actually delivers the goods and I highly recommend it." --Stewart Goetz, Professor of Philosophy, Ursinus College, USA

"Living up to the book's title, Chad Meister skillfully guides his audience through philosophical thickets with clarity, vigor, succinctness, and a trove of illuminating examples. Readers will gain a firm grip on the problem of evil, including cutting edge aspects like skeptical theism and divine hiddenness, as well as an area less well known to analytic philosophers, namely, Hindu and Buddhist approaches. Meister's concluding insights remind philosophers that evil must be confronted not only abstractly but also on a deeply personal level. In short-a highly rewarding read!" --David Shatz, Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Division of Humanities, Yeshiva University, USA

"A remarkably concise and accessible introduction to the 'problem of evil'. Meister summarises a quarter century of academic debate and philosophical reflection in a book that can be read in an evening. ... [I]t is wonderful that such a thin volume could provide so much substance for debate and reflection. Meister has provided students, teachers and pastors with a robust response to some of the deepest questions that a human can ask. Why do I suffer? What can I do about it? Is there any help? Can I dare to hope?" --Graham Veale, Apologetics 315

"Certainly useful as an introduction to the complexity and mystery of studies on evil. It is logically arranged in seven chapters. In addition to those noted above, chapters include the meaning of evil; types of evil; theodicy; God's hiddenness; and the relationship of evil, justice, and the afterlife. The suggested readings at the end of each chapter are appropriate and helpfully summarized. I also praise Meister's intention to include areas of praxis, with suggestions (107-8) that close the book's predominantly theoretical and philosophical focus on evil." --Peter Admirand, Dublin City University, Ireland, Philosophy in Review

"[A] very comprehensive, informative and clearly written introduction to the problem of evil. ... All seven chapters present arguments for and against a position fairly and clearly. All of them have a short list for further reading. And the book endswith six pages of reference material. ... [T]his is an excellent guide to all of us who are perplexed by evil." --Australian eJournal of Theology

"Meister's work can be rightly lauded for its lack of technical jargon and its clear and engaging prose. Equally commendable is his successful effort to include the perspectives of Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. In these regards, his Guide for the Perplexed provides an inclusive and admirably concise introduction to the question of evil, suited for anyone who is interested in the philosophy of religion." --Ethical Perspectives

About the Author

Chad V. Meister is Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Bethel College, Indiana, USA. He is the author or editor of 20 books, many of them on evil, including The Cambridge Companion to the Problem of Evil (co-edited with Paul Moser), God and the Problem of Evil: Five Views (co-edited with James Dew), and the six-volume The History of Evil (co-edited with Charles Taliaferro). He is also general co-editor of the series Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society.