One way to introduce the problem is to ask for whom is it a prob lem. The usual answer is that the problem of evil is a problem for theism. Let me attempt to define the term. Although not inten tionally polemical, the definition I offer is not neutral either. Doubtless many people will disagree with it, including some of the contributors to this book.
Theism takes many forms.
There are Chris tian theists, Jewish theists, Moslem theists, and many other theists. What holds them together, I believe, is their common commitment to the view of God stated above. Theism, as I define it here, is a form of monotheism. Theists claim that the world came into existence because of a decision on God's part and so is dependent on God. The world is a contingent thing.