Our limited prespective probably makes us unable to judge
whether the "limitations" we see in the universe (e.g.,
the problem of pain) are utilmately beneficial.
The making a boulder too big to lift seems like a play on
words to me. Is an electron an apple or an orange (or a
wave or a particle)? Language gives us the ability to ask
potentially meaningless questions.
In fairness i have never read "Atheism" by Michael Martin.
Maybe i will check it out to see what he has to say.
Perhaps another interesting question that can be asked that
is related is: how should belief or disbelief in God affect
us? (I.e., does it matter?)
"The universe is not only stranger than we imagine, it is
stranger than we can imagine."