Presence, Absence & Free Will

Why does a good God allow evil and suffering? In a world torn between faith and doubt, Christopher Westbrook presents a groundbreaking theological framework that addresses humanity's most pressing questions about evil, freedom, and divine justice. Presence, Absence & Free Will: A Unified Field Theory of Evil, Freedom and The Gospel offers a revolutionary approach to understanding the problem of evil through the lens of participatory theology. Drawing from Augustine, Aquinas, and contemporary philosophers like Marilyn McCord Adams, Westbrook demonstrates how evil exists not as a created substance, but as the absence of good—a privation that enables genuine free will while preserving God's perfect nature. What you'll discover: • Why evil is necessary for authentic love to exist • How Christ's sacrifice provides the ultimate solution to suffering • The five mental faculties that shape moral decision-making • Practical tools for living victoriously in a broken world • Answers to objections about divine hiddenness and heavenly freedom This comprehensive work bridges academic theology with practical Christian living, offering both intellectual rigor and pastoral wisdom. Whether you're a pastor, student, philosopher, or thoughtful believer wrestling with life's hardest questions, this book provides a coherent framework for understanding God's goodness in the face of evil. Perfect for readers of: • Timothy Keller's "The Reason for God" • C.S. Lewis's "The Problem of Pain" • Alvin Plantinga's philosophical works Transform your understanding of suffering, freedom, and faith.