The theodicy of C. S. Lewis: A Christian defense of a good God in a world of evil and suffering

The problem of evil is an ancient human theme. The Christian religion accentuates the problem of evil by claiming that God is both omnipotent and good. Christian author C. S. Lewis addressed this issue in the twentieth century in many of his writings. The principal question is whether C. S. Lewis was able to provide an adequate defense for the goodness of the Christian God. This study will use primary sources consisting of various Lewis writings as well as secondary sources pertaining to the subject of the problem of evil. Results indicate that while Lewis had some compelling reasons for the purposes of pain and the goodness of God, his arguments are not void of problems, such as a failure to address the reasons for the excess of suffering and the need to redefine goodness. Regardless, Lewis' writings serve as an effective catalyst in studying theodicy.