Can you be more specific about your research question? What are you measuring (and how)?

Initially, let me say that this is for a masters mini thesis.  My goal is to exhibit a thorough understanding of the theodicies involved and to critically analyze the claims of one particular theodicy.  I do appreciate your willingness to look at this.

1) What is the objective of the new theodicy? To determine this I will look at preexisting theodicies and research why the author felt the preexisting theodicies to be inadequate.

2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of the new theodicy in comparison to the preexisting? This will be an evaluation of different truths claims of each category of theodicy.  There will be reference to the biblical text for continuity and the laws of logic.

3) After examining the different elements of the new theodicy, it will be critiqued based on its initial purpose - to validate the coexistence of gratuitous evil with the sovereignty of God.  This will be done using biblical text, philosophical texts and scholarly reference.

Hi Connie, thanks for the more detailed information. Most of my research experience is a the quantitative side of things, and this doesn't sound that applicable for you. But, there are lots on RG who will have good information! 

Thank you - I got that impression by your questions but didn't want to make assumptions.  I appreciate your time.

I have been looking at dialectic inquiry methodology.  With a bit of tweaking, I believe it may work. 

It seems that the work of Claude Lévy-Strauss "Structure and form: ..." could very useful for you:

https://monoskop.org/images/4/42/Levi-Strauss_Claude_1960_1984_Structure_and_Form_Reflections_on_a_Work_by_Vladimir_Propp.pdf

But my simple advise on regard your aims of research is:  rather than go out to look for, go out to encounter.

I don't understand in this case what it is "a new Theodicy".

As far as I know, there are many cultural theodicies, and I must suppose that in not all of them the idea of the coexistence of gratuitous evil and God's sovereignty is sustainable on their internal logic.

I think that Lévy-Strauss can help you tu compare.

Sincerely,

Hugo

Hi Connie,

I think you have to finish the question first. The question is "What do you know when you know about the comparative differences that you propose to study"? Trying to answer this question may lead you to a range of speculations and from there you can actually build knowledge claims. When you have the knowledge claims you can think more thoroughly about all that is involved in the claims, which factors, concepts, relationships, etc. When you are at that level, then you have reached something like a methodological plane. And from there on you can choose methods. 

I can't wait to hear from you what a mini master thesis is? 

Ann

Ann - a mini master thesis is required at the seminary I am currently attending.  I am seeking to enter a program to earn a PhD in Theology.  The program requires that I had completed a lengthy thesis while obtaining my masters.  The masters program that I was in did not require a thesis which meets the requirements of the PhD program I want to go into.  Therefore...the seminary is requiring me to do a mini thesis in theology at the masters level before moving on to the PhD program.  It has to be around 25000 words, 80 -120 works cited.