The Poetics of Evil: Toward an Aesthetic Theodicy
"InThe Poetics of Evil: Toward an Aesthetic Theodicy, Tallon navigates through multiple disciplines in order to draw together the tasks of both aesthetics and theodicy into a more unified, biblical picture." --Toronto Journal of Theology"Philip Tallon makes an eloquent and compelling case for the claim that aesthetic categories, and aesthetic forms of perception, are essential for any developed appreciation of the nature and scope of the world's goodness-and essential therefore for the project of theodicy."---Mark Wynn, author ofFaith and Place: An Essay in Embodied Epistemology"Impeccably written and beautifully argued, Tallon's book traverses impressive terrain, carving out a critical role for aesthetic considerations from beauty to tragedy to horror in a manner insightful and deeply moving. It defends the wager that beauty can put us in genuine contact with reality and makes the case that no theodicy is complete without countenancing the possibility that the artistry of God and the beauty of the incarnation vitally informs the discussion."---David Baggett, co-author with Jerry L. Walls ofGood God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality"For too long, theodicy has neglected aesthetics, but Tallon shows us why aesthetic values have an integral place in the enterprise. One wonders why a study like this has not been attempted before. A timely book."---Jeremy Begbie, Thomas A. Langford Research Professor of Theology, Duke University"[Tallon] writes with a refreshing balance of confidence and humility, achieving a nuanced but not fussy tone that avoids the pugnacious insecurity that sometimes plagues attempts at apologetics."--The University Bookman