Stephen, thanks for reading!

I agree that many Christians are content with "just-believe" explanations for their faith (what you call "spoon feeding"), and there is nothing especially wrong with that. Perhaps they have more faith than us all. I, on the other hand, was the kid who asked, "But why?" and "Why?" and "Why?" again.

Of course, I think pastors and churches should push for their people to study Scripture vigorously.

In response to your concern over differing liberal/conservative interpretations of a passage or doctrine, I can only recommend reading the preface of "Mere Christianity," by C.S. Lewis. I'd like it if you read the whole book better (if you haven't already), but at least read the preface as it shows the viewpoint that I and I wish more believers would take. We should all be aiming at inviting people into the essential, the core, the "mere" elements of Christianity -- the things we all agree on. So much of everything else that we argue/debate about in the church is non-essential and, at best, we can agree to disagree and go on loving each other and living as Jesus would anyway. (https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-Lewis-Signature-Classics-ebook/dp/B002BD2UR0/)

I don't think the question of evil will go away any time soon. Ultimately, I don't think there are any new questions -- just the same questions asked again and again in different ways. And I think the "theologians" of today are largely at a disconnect from young people and the issues they are concerned about. Many appear too focused on issues of arguably minimal importance. They are like the religious leaders Jesus criticized for obsessing over the minutiae of Scripture while overlooking the larger themes of God's word and will.

I'm glad you bought Wilson's book. I want everyone to read it.