Theodicy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Theodicy is the philosophical attempt to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the belief in a just and all-powerful God. It explores how divine goodness and human suffering can coexist.
Definition:
The defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil.
Synonyms:
divine justice, vindication of God, justification of God
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
dystheism, misotheism
Common Collocations:
problem of evil, theological argument, moral evil, natural evil
Derivatives:
theodicean, theodician
Usage Tips:
Use 'theodicy' when discussing philosophical or theological responses to the problem of evil in religious contexts.
Common Phrases:
problem of evil, divine justice, moral justification
Etymology:
From Greek 'theos' (God) + 'dikē' (justice), coined by Leibniz in 1710.
Examples:
- 1. Theodicy attempts to reconcile God's goodness with suffering.
- 2. Her essay explored various theodicies addressing natural disasters.
- 3. Philosophers debate the effectiveness of theodicy in modern theology.
- 4. The book presented a compelling theodicy for moral evil.