Reference

The general theological opposition to evolutionary theodicy includes several key points:

1. Conflict with Traditional Creation Narratives: Evolutionary theodicy often conflicts with traditional narratives of creation found in religious texts. For example, in Christianity, the notion that death and suffering entered the world only after the fall of Adam and Eve stands in contrast to evolutionary theory, which suggests that death and suffering have been inherent parts of life for millions of years (source: Peaceful Science).

2. The Problem of Suffering and Death: Critics argue that if God used evolution as a means of creation, it implies that God wills the extensive suffering and death that are integral parts of the evolutionary process. This is seen as incompatible with the concept of a benevolent and omnipotent deity (source: Zygon Journal).

3. Skeptical Theism: Some theological positions hold that humans cannot fully understand the range of goods and evils that might justify God's allowance of evolutionary suffering. This implies a limitation of human understanding in assessing divine purposes (source: Henry Center).

4. Anthropocentric Objections: Many religious views place humans at the center of God's creation, suggesting a special status for human beings. Evolutionary theory, which sees humans as one branch in the vast tree of life, often undermines this anthropocentric view (source: Theologiaviatorum).

5. The Role of Divine Intervention: The idea of God not intervening to prevent suffering and death in the evolutionary process raises questions about divine compassion and intervention. If evolutionary processes are natural and unguided, it might suggest a deistic view of God who doesn't interact with creation in a personal or interventionist manner, contrary to many theistic beliefs (source: Christianity/Theology and Evolution).

These points outline the significant theological challenges posed by evolutionary theodicy to traditional religious doctrines and perspectives.