theodicy

the·od·i·cy | \ thē-ˈä-də-sē

plural theodicies

Definition of theodicy

: defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil

Examples of theodicy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By Annie Dillard Published in 1974, Dillard’s diary of a year spent by Tinker Creek, which runs near Roanoke, Va., in the Blue Ridge Mountains, combines close observation with a philosophical inquiry about theodicy. — Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, "21 new and classic books to keep you in touch with the natural world," 6 Apr. 2020 He’s written an odd little book, a hodgepodge of music criticism, theodicy, biography, exegesis, meditations on fatherhood, and musings on his own prison ministry. — Casey Cep, The New Yorker, "Johnny Cash’s Gospel," 9 Feb. 2020 That mystery, rather too peremptorily stated in this story, is familiar in Trevor’s work, much of which could be read as problems in theodicy. — Katherine A. Powers, WSJ, "‘Last Stories’ Review: A 20th-Century Chekhov," 11 May 2018 In religion, theodicy is the branch of writing that tries to explain how a perfect god would nonetheless make our lives so painful. — Wyatt Mason, New York Times, "How Emmanuel Carrère Reinvented Nonfiction," 2 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theodicy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.