Theodicy : an annotated bibliography on the problem of evil, 1960-1990 /

Over the last 30 years, theodicy--the theological problem of reconciling the existence of God with evil--has become an important issue in both scholarly discourse and contemporary culture. Whitney lists more than 4,100 works (1,500 annotated citations) published 1960-90, organized topically to present an overview of each area and its development. Six sections include brief introductions to major works on the topic (e.g., Free Will Theodicy; Best Possible World Theodicy; Process Theodicy), an annotated bibliography of works considered "central to the current debates," and an unannotated list of related works. In addition, Whitney provides five appendixes on other types of theodicy, betraying his contemporary bias, perhaps, by relegating historical theodicy (Augustine, Liebniz, Kant, etc.) to an appendix. Dissertations are included in another appendix. The compiler's impressive command of his subject is obvious in the introductions and, more particularly, in the annotations, which concisely convey the argument and offer cross-references and comparisons to other items. Also useful is the author index (often lacking in Garland bibliographies). Recommended for all academic libraries. V. R. Hotchkiss; Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary