1st Edition
God, Evolution, and Animal Suffering Theodicy without a Fall
1 Leaving the Courtroom 2 The Bible and The Fall 3 Joining the Conversation 4 Creation, Freedom, and Love 5 Special Divine Action 6 Redemption 7 Conclusion
Biography
Bethany N. Sollereder is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. She is a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion and of the Royal Society of Arts. She has written for a number of journals and magazines, including Zygon, Theology & Science, and The Christian Century and she is a regular contributor to the BioLogos website.
"This is a ground-breaking study which faces fearlessly the implications of believing that God creates through the process of evolution, with the consequent suffering caused to animals. Rejecting any explanations which rely on a single-point, historic fall of the universe the author develops a highly original alternative account, taking seriously the meaning of the love of a creator God, that all theologians will need to take a view on. At times provocative, always clear, expert, readable and interesting, this is essential reading for all who want to continue writing theodicies in the modern era of biological science."
– Paul S. Fiddes, Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Oxford, UK
"A thoughtful, original and important exploration of an important theological topic. Dr Sollereder opens up some of the most challenging questions arising from Darwin's theory of evolution, and offers fresh insights and perspectives to her readers."
– Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford, UK
"Rigorously researched, and written with both clarity and passion, Bethany Sollereder’s new book makes a highly creative contribution to a significant and much neglected debate. It will be a vital resource for researchers and students alike."
– Christopher Southgate, Professor of Christian Theodicy, University of Exeter, UK
"In this engaging book Sollereder is "joining a conversation" on evolutionary theodicy that has now spanned a decade or more. She does so with aplomb, with new insights, coherence, courage, and with lively and intelligent interactions with her peers. Spanning a wide theological horizon, Sollereder delves deep into the issues of divine action, the goodness and freedom of creation, the problems of evolutionary suffering, God’s temporality, kenosis, passability and above all God’s love for all of creation. Hers is an acco
