In defence of Rebel Angel Theodicy

Abstract

<p>Rebel Angel Theodicy – often called Satan Theodicy – is the thesis that horrendous evils are directly or indirectly caused by angels who disobeyed God. In this article, I defend it, developing Gary Emberger's suggestion that they influenced the course of evolution. After defending speculative theodicy, I expound Rebel Angel Theodicy and reply to seven objections that explicate the widespread judgement of implausibility:</p> <p>1. That the existence of angels is metaphysically problematic.</p> <p>2. That God has no good reason to create angels.</p> <p>3. That angels have no power to harm human beings.</p> <p>4. That God, foreknowing the possibility of rebellion, would not delegate to angels the power to guide evolution.</p> <p>5. That even if there was a good reason for God to delegate this power to angels it is metaphysically impossible for an omnipotent God to do so.</p> <p>6. That God, knowing of the angels' rebellion, would subsequently intervene to put evolution back onto the preferred divine plan.</p> <p>7. That there is no plausible motive for angels to rebel.</p>