THEODICE IN THE ORTHODOX TRADITION: BIBLICALAND PATRISTIC EXPERIENCE AND CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Abstract. The relevance of the study is due to the continuing significance of theodicy in modern theological discourse and the need to comprehension traditional Christian approaches to the problem of evil in the context of modern challenges of humanity. The issues of suffering and death are becoming particularly acute in the era of global crises, requiring an in-depth analysis of Christian concepts of theodicy and their correlation with philosophical and theological traditions.

The purpose of the study is to systematically analyze Christian concepts of evil, suffering and death, identify their evolution in the history of Christian thought and determine their relevance for modern theological discourse. The study is aimed at creating a comprehensive picture of Christian theodicy and its philosophical and theological foundations.

The object of the study is Christian theodice as a system of theological and philosophical concepts aimed at understanding the problem of evil in the context of faith in an all-good and all-powerful God. The object covers biblical, patristic, scholastic and modern approaches to the problem of theodice.

The subject of the study is specific Christian concepts and doctrines that explain the origin, nature and meaning of evil, suffering and death in the universe. The subject includes an analysis of theological arguments, philosophical justifications and spiritual and practical aspects of the Christian response to the problem of evil.

The methodological basis of the study is historical-theological, comparative religious studies and philosophical-analytical methods. A hermeneutic approach to the analysis of sacred texts and theological works is used, as well as the phenomenological method of studying the religious experience of suffering.

The scientific novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the problem of Christian theodice, which integrates theological, philosophical and cultural aspects of the study. For the first time, an attempt is made to systematize various Christian concepts of evil, taking into account their historical development and modern interpretations in the context of dialogue with secular philosophy.