Introduction

The introduction sets out the basic ambition of the work. Namely, to give a systematic account of what, it is argued, ought properly to be regarded as the classic tradition of Christian theodicy. This is the tradition represented by the three names Böhme, Schelling and Hegel. Böhme lyrically, and Schelling philosophically, set out the core revision required to customary misconceptions of divine omnipotence. Hegel, an admirer of Böhme, and originally a close ally of Schelling, provides systematic context. Together, they are working to refocus Christian theology, in the most decisive fashion, on the demands of perfect ‘truth-as-openness’ in the face of evil and suffering. ‘Theodicy’ is indeed a term originally coined by Leibniz. But what he means by it is a pursuit of purely metaphysical truth-as-correctness. This is quite different.