This chapter defines the philosophical terms to be used and

explains the book’s reliance on the Christian Scriptures. It then sets out

the book’s thesis, that God intends that sin occur. The chapter marshals at

some length examples of thinkers arguing against the book’s thesis, and

examples in favour of it. It is suggested that the predominant view in the

past has been against the book’s thesis, not only in Roman-Catholic

thought but also in Protestant thought, even in the Reformed tradition.

The chapter admits that the book argues against the majority opinion, but

the minority in favour of the view is not insignificant.