ABSTRACT

The first part of this article explores traditional Augustinian theologies of evil, particularly as received and rearticulated by John Wesley. The second, longer part offers a series of constructive theses challenging certain aspects of the Augustinian and Wesleyan position or positions, arguing that Christians should not say that God allows evil, at least not in the usual sense, or that God uses evil for good. Instead, Christians should insist on the hope of a final transformation in which God sets all things right, not merely by rewarding those who have suffered evil but by rectifying the wrongs. In the meantime, believers are called to join God in resisting evil until the promised end, especially when it seems that their efforts are in vain.

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