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RESEARCH P : O TAPER UTLINE EMPLATE
Research Topic
The focus of this paper is Theodicies and the Problem of Evil
Research Question
How do theodicies address the problem of evil in the context of the Doctrine of God, and
how can insights from the book of Job and Lamentations on grief and suffering enhance our
understanding of this theological issue?
Thesis Statement
This paper will explore how theodicies try to address the problem of evil and suffering in
a world created by a loving and all-powerful God, shedding light on God's complex nature and
how humans experience suffering.
Outline
I. Introduction (1 page) How do theodicies address the problem of evil in the context of the
Doctrine of God?
A. Introduce the Research Question: How do theodicies address the problem of evil
in the context of the Doctrine of God?
i. Start with what is theodicy: “’Theodicy’ is composed of two Greek words:
theos, dikei, which is the word for “God,” and meaning what is “just” or
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“right.” Thus a theodicy is an attempt to vindicate the justice of God in his
actions.”1
ii. What is the doctrine of God: ”The doctrine of God is the horizon of all
Christian theology. It’s built into the very name “theology”: it’s “logos
about “—that is, “speech about God.” That’s why people sometimestheos
call the doctrine of God “theology proper,” meaning that theology is
actually talking about the doctrine of who God is in his essence, in his
existence, in his attributes, and in his eternal being as Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.”2
B. Lead into the overview: This paper will delve into the intricate ways theodicies
attempt to grapple with the coexistence of evil and suffering in a world crafted by
