In this important new book, David O'Connor discusses both logical and empirical forms of the problem of inscrutable evil, perennially the most difficult philosophical problem confronting theism. Arguing that both a version of theism ("friendly theism") and a version of atheism ("friendly atheism") are justified on the evidence in the debate over God and evil, O'Connor concludes that a warranted outcome is a philosophical dètente between those two positions. On the way to that conclusion he develops two arguments from evil, a reformed version of the logical argument and an indirect version of the empirical argument, and deploys both against a central formulation of theism that he describes as orthodox theism. God and Inscrutable Evil makes a valuable contribution to contemporary debates in the philosophy of religion.

[A] careful . . . analysis of the challenge that the existence of evil presents to 'orthodox theism' . . . a remarkable amount of material in compressed format, something that will well serve readers. -- T. Michael McNulty, S.J., Marquette University, Milwaukee * Theological Studies *
This book will appeal to anyone who has ever asked why there seems to be so much unnecessary evil and suffering in the world. * Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith *
The book is full of creative thought experiments, detailed and incisive argument, and exposition and analysis that reveal an impressive command of much contemporary literature on this topic. -- R.D. Geivett, Biola University * Choice Reviews *
The most important book-length treatment of its kind in the past twenty years . . . O'Connor's book will most certainly be the locus of debate for years to come. -- Daniel HowardSnyder, Seattle Pacific University
. . . excellent work . . . chock-full of original, creative analyses and arguments. -- Del Kiernan-Lewis, Morehouse College * The Journal Of Religion *

A number of O'Connor's arguments are persuasive.

O'Coonor's central argument against Schlesinger's 'No-Best-Possible-World-Defence' seems well-taken.

-- Katherin A. Rogers, University of Delaware * Religious Studies *
This book is an substantial contribution to contemporary discussion of the evidential force of the fact of evil and the rationality of beleiving in God. * Mind: A Quarterly Review of Philosophy *
O'Connor should be praised for forcefully bringing to our attention the centrality of the standard assumption in the debate over God and evil. * The Philosophical Review *

David O'Connor is professor of philosophy at Seton Hall University and the author of The Metaphysics of G. E. Moore.