Former GU President Returns for Talk on Theological Issue of Evil

Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., is returning to Gonzaga Feb. 8 to explore the theological question of why an all-loving God would allow evil and suffering.

Fr. Spitzer is a Jesuit priest, teacher, author and lecturer on topics regarding ethics, philosophy and the relationship between modern physics and Christian faith. In his time as president of GU (1998-2009), he founded the Gonzaga University Faith & Reason Institute.

Despite retiring from his presidential role, Fr. Spitzer continues to serve as co-director of the Faith & Reason Institute and as President of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center.

Fr. Spitzer attended the Gregorian University and the Weston School and received his doctorate of philosophy from the Catholic University of America. Prior to his service at GU, he taught at Georgetown University and Seattle University.

Fr. Spitzer is the author of many books, including “The Soul’s Upward Yearning: Clues to Our Transcendent Nature from Experience and Reason,” “The Light Shines on in The Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith,” “New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions to Late Twentieth Century Physics and Philosophy” and “Evidence for God from Contemporary Science and Philosophy.”

Fr. Spitzer’s GU talk titled “Why Would an All-Loving God Allow Evil and Suffering?” is hosted by GU’s Faith & Reason Institute and will be followed by a book signing and reception. Please reach out to philosophy professor David Calhoun with any questions. The talk will take place in the Cataldo Hall Globe Room on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.