Here’s an outline of a theodicy that, while not one I personally endorse, is interesting to consider and might have potential in addressing most forms of the logical problem of evil.
As what I would call a 'non-denominational Christian Platonist'. I am open to such ideas as the pre-existence of souls, as well as reincarnation. However I try to avoid whacky esotericism (no two esoteric systems agree anyway) so I would go light on the details. My world-view is, within classical theistic framework, that man is incarnate on earth in order for his soul to grow and become what God intends him to become. So man is called by God to be a co-creator of his soul, in which endeavour he is in need of Grace – as well as of natural human effort.
This approach seems to answer one of the most concerning problems of theological anthropology: the manifest unreadiness of most of us at death to enter heaven.
The Christian story is among other things the greatest and best anagogical myth, and as such it may lay claim to divine inspiration. It is anagogically true: how much literal truth it contains, is a matter for debate, though I suspect that more is literally true than many of the sceptics would allow.
As what I would call a 'non-denominational Christian Platonist'. I am open to such ideas as the pre-existence of souls, as well as reincarnation. However I try to avoid whacky esotericism (no two esoteric systems agree anyway) so I would go light on the details. My world-view is, within classical theistic framework, that man is incarnate on earth in order for his soul to grow and become what God intends him to become. So man is called by God to be a co-creator of his soul, in which endeavour he is in need of Grace – as well as of natural human effort.
This approach seems to answer one of the most concerning problems of theological anthropology: the manifest unreadiness of most of us at death to enter heaven.
The Christian story is among other things the greatest and best anagogical myth, and as such it may lay claim to divine inspiration. It is anagogically true: how much literal truth it contains, is a matter for debate, though I suspect that more is literally true than many of the sceptics would allow.
Reminds me of Jeremiah 1:5.