(SIS S1 E12) Worldviews and the Problem of Evil (w. Dr. Ronnie Campbell)

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis Evelo | September 26, 2021

Through the summertime, we will host a new series entitled the “Summer Interview Series” which engages Christian scholars and experts about issues in their chosen fields. On this episode, Brian and Curtis welcome back Dr. Ronnie Campbell to the podcast to discuss his book Worldviews & The Problem of Evil: A Comparative Approach.

What is a worldview?
You discuss four overarching metaphysical systems in your book. Could you describe the four: naturalism, pantheism, process panentheism, and theism?
Why do you think naturalism has gained in popularity to the level and degree that it has?
Could you define the term “theodicy”?
How does naturalism fail to answer the problem of evil?
How does pantheism fail in this endeavor?
How does process panentheism fail to account for the problem of evil?
Why is theism the best answer to the problem of evil, particularly in the love of God, the acts of God, and God’s defeat of evil?
How does this knowledge benefit us especially with the uncertainties of life?

What do you think about the discussion? Do you have a question for the crew? Leave a comment below.

About our Guest: Dr. Ronnie P. Campbell, Jr.

Dr. Ronnie Campbell is the Program Director for Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies at Liberty University. He has been in higher education since 2006 as he has taught courses in theology, philosophy, and apologetics. He is the author of For Love of God: An Invitation to Theology and Worldviews and the Problem of Evil. He earned his PhD in Theology and Apologetics, his MAR and MA from Liberty University and his BA from the Moody Bible Institute. Dr. Campbell enjoys playing his guitar, reading science fiction, and is a coffee lover. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Gladys, VA with their four children.

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, and is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has nearly 20 years of pastoral experience and currently serves as a clinical chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Digging Deeper

(Podcast) Brian Chilton, Curtis Evelo, with Dr. Ronnie Campbell, “For Love of God: An Invitation to Theology (w. Dr. Ronnie Campbell),” https://bellatorchristi.com/2021/07/11/podcast-7-11-21-for-love-of-god-an-invitation-to-theology-w-dr-ronnie-campbell/

(Article) Brian Chilton, “8 Major Worldviews Revisited, Part 1,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2017/01/17/major-worldviews-revisited-8-major-worldviews-part-1/

(Article) Brian Chilton, “8 Major Worldviews Revisited, Part 2,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2017/01/18/major-worldviews-revisited-8-major-worldviews-part-2/

(Podcast) Brian Chilton, Curtis Evelo, with Ryan Pauley, “Creation, Evolution, and the Christian Worldview,” https://bellatorchristi.com/2020/06/10/podcast-6-10-20-creation-evolution-and-the-christian-worldview-w-ryan-pauly/