A while back I asked whether anyone had seen a critique of C.S. Lewis'
position on the problem of evil. I was particularly interested in
critiques from those who, like me, agree with Lewis on most major
theological issues.
I found a part of what I was looking for in _God in the Dock: Essays on
Theology and Ethics_ (edited by Walter Hooper, published by W.B. Eerdmans
of Grand Rapids, MI in 1970). Chapter 20 is entitled "The Pains of Animals:
A Problem in Theology," and consists of a critique by C.E.M. Joad, (Head of
the Dept. of Philosophy at the Univ. of London) of Chapter 9 in Lewis' book
_The Problem of Pain_, in which Lewis deals specifically with the pain of
animals.
Joad and Lewis hold similar beliefs on major theological issues (both are
Christians, both have similar solutions to the problem of human pain).
Where they differ is on the issue of animal pain, particularly before man
appeared on the cosmic scene (and thus before the effects of the Fall could
have been present, assuming Gen. 3 is historical in at least some sense).
Both Joad and Lewis feel there is at least an apparent dilemma, a
theological problem worth thinking about. Lewis writes:
"We both (if I read [Joad] correctly) turn with distaste from 'the easy
speeches that comfort cruel men', from theologians who do not seem to see
that there is a real problem, who are content to say that animals are,
after all, only animals. To us, pain without guilt or moral fruit, however
low and contemptible the sufferer may be, is a very serious matter." (p.
167 of _God in the Dock_)
Lewis stands firm in two beliefs: 1) there is an appearance of divine
cruelty and/or indifference, and 2) because God is good, this must be only
an appearance. Joad seems to agree with Lewis on these points.
Lewis then speculates, with much humility and tentativeness, about how the
(hidden) reality could differ from appearances. Lewis offers several
speculations, apparently without favoring any one over the others. Lewis
seems to include all the major potential answers to the problem that I've
seen others propose. Anyway, Joad seems unsatisfied by them all. I tend to
agree with Joad.
Has anyone else read Lewis and Joad on animal pain, and have an opinion to
share?
Chuck Austerberry
cfauster@creighton.edu
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