theodicy

[ thee-od-uh-see ]

noun

, plural the·od·i·cies.

1. a vindication of the divine attributes, particularly holiness and justice, in establishing or allowing the existence of physical and moral evil.

theodicy

/ θɪˈɒdɪsɪ /

noun

1. the branch of theology concerned with defending the attributes of God against objections resulting from physical and moral evil

Derived Forms

• theˌodiˈcean, adjective

Other Words From

• the·odi·cean adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theodicy¹

1790–1800; theo- + Greek dík(ē) “justice” + -y ³( def ), modeled on French théodicée, a coinage of Leibniz

Word History and Origins

Origin of theodicy¹

C18: coined by Leibnitz in French as théodicée, from theo- + Greek dikē justice

Example Sentences

While not a detailed discussion of theodicy, or how a good God permits evil to exist, the computer-generated response is one most Christians could understand and accept, even if follow-up questions remain.

From Washington Times

While the temblor influenced Kant’s views of theodicy, he also posited scientific theories to explain what happened.

From Washington Times

The theory that people suffer because it is part of “God’s plan” is also known as “theodicy.”

From Washington Post

I think, though, that Miranda is talking more about the omnipresence of change, and our need to interpret that change, than he is about theodicy.

From Salon

Seeing her construct her own theodicy from the simple process of observing and reasoning is like watching the passage of 2,000 years over a few months.

From Washington Post