Exploring the Problem of Evil

Wycliffe Hall’s Principal, Revd Dr Michael Lloyd, is looking forward to hosting an Intensive week for anybody to take a deep dive into his favourite topic – a topic vital to every Christian believer.

My area of theological research is the Problem of Evil. That’s why my students call me Doctor Evil – at least I think that’s why…

The Problem of Evil is this: if God is good and powerful, then why is history so blood-soaked, and why are earthquakes, disasters and diseases allowed to happen? 

It is the hardest problem with which believers in a good God have to wrestle. In fact, it’s a question human beings have wrestled with for as long as there have been human beings. This difficult problem can lead people away from faith, and it can keep people from coming to faith. 

Many answers have been given down the centuries - some of them quite damaging to sufferers. It is important to think through what we believe on this issue, and how we support others.

An opportunity to work it through

We’re hosting a special week here at Wycliffe to look at the Problem of Evil together, and anybody is welcome to come along, no matter what your current thoughts are on the topic.

The ‘Intensive’ week will introduce you to every family of response to the Problem of Evil within Christian theology. We will critique all of them, and try to find a way forward that is intellectually rigorous and pastorally helpful. We’ll also worship together, look at the book of Job, and enjoy fellowship over meals.

You may have read or heard about CS Lewis’s book on this topic: The Problem of Pain. He wrote it here in Oxford, so we’ll visit the church where he worshipped and consider his point of view, too.

I’m expecting ‘Evil Week’ will be a fun week, despite the subject matter! I would love to invite you to join me.

The Wycliffe Intensive takes place from 31 August – 4 September.

There are limited places so please register as soon as possible.

Find all the details and sign up here.