This concise survey examines the problem of evil in the context of the philosophy of religion. The main problem of evil consists in reconciling belief in a just and loving God with evil and suffering in the world. Michael Peterson deals with this issue by working through questions such as the following: What is the relation of rational belief to religious faith? What responses have important thinkers advanced and which seem most promising? Is it possible to maintain religious commitment in light of evil?

Peterson relies on the helpful distinction between moral and natural evil to clarify our understanding of the different aspects of the problem as well as avenues for response. The reader of this book gains not only an intellectual grasp of the debate over God and evil in professional philosophy but also the personal benefit of thinking through one of the most important issues in human life.