Why doesn't God stop evil, pain and suffering?

[idea]

OK, one more try. I think I am at least starting to understand the ways in which you deflect questions.

So how about me? Do you think the "God did not create it" is a deflection? The "good does not exist without evil" is a deflection?

 

[idea]

So God made nothing, cannot make evil nor good and he didn't form us..

I allready don't believe in the guy, but you took away those few purposes I could maybe still make him do

He can "form" things, just not "create" them. If you let Him, he can do a hell of a job with a lump of clay....

 

[Beaudreaux]

Drama much? How have you gotten that out of anything I have said?

...because you said

but the more we intervene, the more overpopulated the earth will become, no? The more overpopulated, the more problems. Time to let others have their turn at life.

Aren't you saying that we shouldn't intervene when nature kills folks because if we do the earth will suffer from overpopulation?

 

[BucephalusBB]

He can "form" things, just not "create" them. If you let Him, he can do a hell of a job with a lump of clay....

So can I, am I also God now? :drool:

 

[Beaudreaux]

Let’s say you are in school, the teacher is handing out a test. Now the teacher has all the answers for the test, they could give you the answers, but they don’t. Why don't thye just give all the answers to you???? Sure, they could give the answers out, but they would be depriving you of learning it for yourself. ... the point is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.

Dying of Smallpox is not a test you can pass or learn something from because it kills you. Babies who die of AIDS learn nothing from the experience that they can use in later life because they have no later life. The test analogy only works if you live.

 

[idea]

So can I, am I also God now? :drool:

I am LDS - you know, the god makers?

Man, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father (see also Father; Immortality; Perfection)
Gen. 1:26 (Moses 2:26) let them have dominion
Gen. 3:22 (Moses 4:28) man is become as one of us
Lev. 19:2 (1 Pet. 1:16) be holy: for I ... am holy
Ps. 8:5 thou hast made him a little lower than the angels
Ps. 8:6 madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands
Ps. 82:6 ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High
Matt. 5:48 (3 Ne. 12:48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father
Luke 24:39 spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have
John 10:34 (Ps. 82:1–8; D&C 76:58) Is it not written in your law ... Ye are gods
Acts 17:29 we are the offspring of God
Rom. 8:17 heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ
2 Cor. 3:18 changed into the same image from glory to glory
Gal. 4:7 if a son, then an heir of God through Christ
Eph. 4:13 Till we all come ... unto a perfect man
Heb. 12:9 be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live
1 Jn. 3:2 when he shall appear, we shall be like him
Rev. 3:21 him that overcometh will ... sit with me in my throne
2 Ne. 2:25 men are, that they might have joy
3 Ne. 9:17 to them have I given to become the sons of God
3 Ne. 27:27 what manner of men ought ye to be ... even as I am
3 Ne. 28:10 your joy shall be full ... shall be even as I am
D&C 14:7 you shall have eternal life
(Topical Guide | MMan, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father:Entry)

That's the point of it all - heaven is not harps and halos, those who learn how to love will be able to form / transform... you would not put a spirit into the hands of someone who does not know what love is now would you?

 

[idea]

[/font][/font][/color]

Dying of Smallpox is not a test you can pass or learn something from because it kills you. Babies who die of AIDS learn nothing from the experience that they can use in later life because they have no later life. The test analogy only works if you live.

You can learn from everything.

6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
(New Testament | 1 Peter4:6)

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
(New Testament | John5:25)

Not my call to make, I respect life, but this is not the only place to learn. If a kid would be surrounded with things they cannot learn from, what is the point of life?

posted this before - by just seeing the natural disster, we are not seeing the entire picture... there is more to it than just a storm, they are always storms with a reason...
Sri Lanka has a reputation as a pedophile’s paradise. In 1997, it was considered the principle. source of child pornography for the United States and Europe ...
http://www.childtrafficking.com/Docs..._sri_lanka.pdf
42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.(New Testament | Mark9:42)


We will all learn pain/joy one way or another... personally, I would prefer to learn it through a natural disaster, than through the free agency of another person... I had this dream, that I would lose one of my kids... I think about it every day, and I pray that if it is to happen, let it be through some natural means rather than from a person...

What does it take to gain an appreciation of things? Admit it or not, no pain, no gain...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
You can learn from everything...
LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Healing Power of Forgiveness
In the beautiful hills of Pennsylvania, a devout group of Christian people live a simple life without automobiles, electricity, or modern machinery. They work hard and live quiet, peaceful lives separate from the world. Most of their food comes from their own farms. The women sew and knit and weave their clothing, which is modest and plain. They are known as the Amish people.
A 32-year-old milk truck driver lived with his family in their Nickel Mines community. He was not Amish, but his pickup route took him to many Amish dairy farms, where he became known as the quiet milkman. Last October he suddenly lost all reason and control. In his tormented mind he blamed God for the death of his first child and some unsubstantiated memories. He stormed into the Amish school without any provocation, released the boys and adults, and tied up the 10 girls. He shot the girls, killing five and wounding five. Then he took his own life.
This shocking violence caused great anguish among the Amish but no anger. There was hurt but no hate. Their forgiveness was immediate. Collectively they began to reach out to the milkman’s suffering family. As the milkman’s family gathered in his home the day after the shootings, an Amish neighbor came over, wrapped his arms around the father of the dead gunman, and said, “We will forgive you.”1 Amish leaders visited the milkman’s wife and children to extend their sympathy, their forgiveness, their help, and their love. About half of the mourners at the milkman’s funeral were Amish. In turn, the Amish invited the milkman’s family to attend the funeral services of the girls who had been killed. A remarkable peace settled on the Amish as their faith sustained them during this crisis.
One local resident very eloquently summed up the aftermath of this tragedy when he said, “We were all speaking the same language, and not just English, but a language of caring, a language of community, [and] a language of service. And, yes, a language of forgiveness.”2 It was an amazing outpouring of their complete faith in the Lord’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”3
The family of the milkman who killed the five girls released the following statement to the public:
“To our Amish friends, neighbors, and local community:
“Our family wants each of you to know that we are overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that you’ve extended to us. Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. The prayers, flowers, cards, and gifts you’ve given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.
“Please know that our hearts have been broken by all that has happened. We are filled with sorrow for all of our Amish neighbors whom we have loved and continue to love. We know that there are many hard days ahead for all the families who lost loved ones, and so we will continue to put our hope and trust in the God of all comfort, as we all seek to rebuild our lives.”4
How could the whole Amish group manifest such an expression of forgiveness? It was because of their faith in God and trust in His word, which is part of their inner beings. They see themselves as disciples of Christ and want to follow His example.
Hearing of this tragedy, many people sent money to the Amish to pay for the health care of the five surviving girls and for the burial expenses of the five who were killed. As a further demonstration of their discipleship, the Amish decided to share some of the money with the widow of the milkman and her three children because they too were victims of this terrible tragedy.
Forgiveness is not always instantaneous as it was with the Amish. When innocent children have been molested or killed, most of us do not think first about forgiveness. Our natural response is anger. We may even feel justified in wanting to “get even” with anyone who inflicts injury on us or our family.
Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, has provided an excellent definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships:
“Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”5 ...

 

[Beaudreaux]

Go back to page 8 - God did not create any of it.

The word "create" should not appear anywhere in the Bible:
Hebrew Word Studies
"The English word "create" is an abstract word and a foriegn concept to the Hebrews. "

It should be "form, organize, transform" - not create.
If it is beautiful and formed, it is because God has formed it. What is not beautiful has simply not been formed yet.
God is cleaning up a mess He did not create.

Not create it but why allow it?
So that we can gain an appreciation for what is good. again, relativity, good is relative to bad. Opposites define one another. Good does not exist without bad. Up does not exist without down, right does not exist without wrong, joy does not exist without pain. Is an apple good or bad? Is anything good or bad? Depends on what you compare it to - has to be something to compare it to before anything can exist. Mountain heights are proportional to the depths of the valleys.


11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
12 And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.
(Pearl of Great Price | Moses5:11 - 12)

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(New Testament | 2 Corinthians12:9)

Please go back to my post on page 14 that questions your view on this. You never addressed.

 

[Beaudreaux]

So how about me? Do you think the "God did not create it" is a deflection? The "good does not exist without evil" is a deflection?

Not at all. You're proposing an answer.

 

[idea]

sorry I missed it

So, I take a couple of learnings from this.

1. Published translations of the Bible are unreliable. Biblical/linquistic scholars who have dedicated their lives to this work are making significant errors in translastion, errors that directly affect theology.

I agree, that is why we have a modern day prophet / apostles to guide us. Also, guidance of the Holy Spirit...

I don't think God wants us to learn out of a book... I think the ambiguity of the book is a hint for us to pray, learn things first hand.

God is not the creator of everything. Something else created evil.

It does not have to be "created" at all - no beginning, stuff just is, not anyone's fault, it all just exists... At least we can form it though.

Idea, I urge you to spend more time fixing the current translations of the Bible. If they are this flawed, and you can see it where others apparently cannot, then I am hard pressed to think of a better way you could spend your life.

Better to spend time talking about the Holy Spirit don't you think? The Holy Spirit is a better source of info than any book. (I use more than the Bible btw)

Also, do you have any insight into the being who created evil and perhaps any other parts of existence that God did not?

Not about "creating" evil, but if you want to know about Satan...
just a sec, looking up the scripts (not in Bible - but scripts)

OK - some of it is in the Bible, just not all of it...
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!
(Old Testament | Isaiah14:12)

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
(New Testament | Revelation12:7 - 9)

There was a war in heaven, before we were born here on Earth. You and I fought in this war. It was a war over agency. Satan said - it is not worth it, people don't want to learn from pain and suffering, let's just stay the way we are, let me take these spirits, I will control their minds, I will not let them do anything wrong / think anything wrong, will not let them suffer in any way - sure they will not learn, will not grow, will not appreciate anything, but they won't feel any pain - that is worth is. (Plus satan wanted power) God said, no, pain is worth it. Give them their agency, give them the experiences they need. 1/3 of the spirits followed satan - and became the fallen angels. 2/3 of the spirits followed God... There is debate as to if 2/3 means 66% or if there were 3 different groups of spirits with 3 different ideals...


1 AND I, the aLord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely eI will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.
3 Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;
4 And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.
(Pearl of Great Price | Moses4:1 - 4)

 

[idea]

Not at all. You're proposing an answer.

of course it is not "my" answer... I mean I am not just making this stuff up, trying to justify God. I used to be agnostic, then I learned through experience (not the Bible, not a preacher, personal experience) there was a God (did not know the nature of God, just that He existed) Now I can say I know there is a God, and that He loves us, is perfect etc. etc... which leaves me with some huge regrets, and horrible ideas about who I am and where I started out... but I have to have hope that God can form everything that wants to be formed...

7 O how great is the anothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are bless than the dust of the earth.
8 For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God.
(Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:7 - 8)
The dust obeys, while we do not... The glory and the horror of agency...

 

[starlite]

Let me practise active lisetening hear by summarizing your thoughts.

So, because Adam and Eve rebelled against God, God put humanity into thousands of years of suffering. God is essentially punishing the child who dies of AIDS for the rebellion of Adam and Eve. While this may seem...well.... less than charitable, we must understand that God doesn't see it that way because thousands of years of human suffering and death doesn't seem like long at all to him.

Do I have this right?

In order to post the scriptural references may I ask which version you prefer?

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For thousands of years now, mankind has built a world system of things, trying all kinds of rulership and codes of conduct. Are you happy with the result? Is the human family peaceful, and united? I think you will agree that wars, famines, natural disasters, sickness, and death have plagued mankind, causing “futility,” “pain,” and “groaning,” just as the Bible states.—Romans 8:19-22[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Still, some like yourself ask, ‘Why has God not prevented tragedies?’ Really, that would be an injustice, and it would cloud the issue by making it seem that rebelling against God is without consequence. (remember that Satan challenged God's rulership #146?) Hence, God has not been behind the scenes preventing all the crimes and tragedies that result, directly or indirectly, from disobedience to him. Certainly God would never be party to the harmful lie that Satan’s rulership can succeed, that it has found the key to happiness. Nevertheless, God has not been indifferent to events. In fact, he has been very active.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Since the rebellion in Eden, for instance, he inspired Bible writers to record his promise that a future “seed” would crush Satan and all who stuck with him. Additionally, by means of that Seed, God would form a government, a heavenly Kingdom, that would bless obedient humans and end all causes of suffering, even death itself. (Psalm 46:9; 72:16; Isaiah 25:8; 33:24; Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]That Kingdom that we've all prayed for to come (Matthew 6: 9,10) is the one Jesus focused his teaching on. In fact, Christ provided a living preview of what that Kingdom will accomplish. He fed hungry thousands, healed the sick, resurrected the dead, and even showed his power over the natural elements by calming a violent storm. (Matthew 14:14-21; Mark 4:37-39; John 11:43, 44)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]So, as you can see, the Bible’s sound, logical explanation clears away the confusion. Moreover, the Bible offers much comfort to all who have suffered tragedies in life.[/FONT]​

​

​

 

[Beaudreaux]

In order to post the scriptural references may I ask which version you prefer?

The NIV is good for me.

 

[idea]

Sorry, KJ
16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
(Old Testament | Deuteronomy24:16)

20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
(Old Testament | Ezekiel18:20

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
(New Testament | 2 Corinthians5:10)


We are only accountable for our own actions, not Adam's...

because Adam and Eve rebelled against God, God put humanity into thousands of years of suffering

So, take the blame off of God, and instead put iton Adam? or how about Satan? Neither deserves the blame IMO. We need the experiences we get to appreciate what is around us - it is not because someone else has done this to us, it is for us - for our benefit...

because God wanted us to experience joy and happiness, he allowed each person the experiences they needed to understand what real joy and happiness are...

 

[Alla Prima]

sorry - should have said God did not "create" the concepts of what is good/evil... He can help form/make/transform something into good... Sorry, does that make sense?

Then he's not the 'Creator' many believe him to be.

 

[IF_u_knew]

LOL, you are not reading my posts correct. I think this is a perfect world and I love it!
I was only debating the part where God can change it all if he wishes. He can make birth go away, make the beauty behind it go away, make the feeling that you miss that beauty go away and replace it all by making garbage beauty or whatever..
What you don't know, you don't miss.

And I can't even blame God..(or "G.d" with a very very tiny "o" like you do it.. )

I am very glad to see the sense of humor! :yes:

I do understand where you are coming from. I guess over analyzing these things is a good thing now and then, but when it comes down to it.. we are taking part with the Creator by being here.

To look at it from your perspective, we could just say, why did He create us at all? But as my son rushes into the room to excitedly give me the picture he drew of me, a lion standing on his tail, and.. well, I am not sure what it is.. an alien perhaps (?), suddenly, I know why.

Honestly, it is in that moment that I realize why we are still here and my heart is overwhelmed with love for Him. There is much I could do to shelter my children, but why? What are they going to learn? I take care of them, but as they get older I make sure that I don't block off all experience just because some of it is bad. When they get hurt, they know my love for them. Would it be as appreciated if they had nothing to compare it to?

Some may call that heartless; I see very much the opposite. I see great brilliance and love in that approach.

 

[Freelancer7]

Maybe it's because I haven't fully woken up yet, but I honestly don't get what you're trying to say here. Could you rephrase?

Well, I am an atheist so I think there is NO difference between God the Creator and God the Father. I think neither one exists.

Fair Play to you.

 

[IF_u_knew]

Your defense of God is lacking. Humans did not create SmallPox.

Absolutely!

• AIDS babies - Don't even act like you didn't bring this on yourselves. If Me and IF_u_knew could cure you, we wouldn't! Die die die!
• Parents of Infants who die of SIDS - Oh give me a break! Your kid got what he/she deserved and it was probably partially your fault, too.
• All you bald brats in pediatric cancer wards - Stop whining! You brought this on yourselves. "Boo hoo! I'll never be old enough to kiss a girl and the pain of my chemo is unbearable." You know you deserve it!

That's what God is all about!

Firstly, it should be noted that G.d does not need my defense. I am giving my perspective regarding the topic. He speaks for Himself by even allowing you (us) the courtesy to question His motives.

You are acting like a child regarding my responses. You can't blame G.d and since I don't blame G.d, now you seem to think it is all somehow my fault. Where is your logic?

I can understand questioning. I have and will continue to do it myself. But this one particular question, I have come to terms with and I understand the wisdom of G.d. It is kind of weird to equate that to mean that I *want* people suffer and die.

 

[starlite]

The NIV is good for me.

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 46:9

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,he burns the shields [a] with fire.

Psalm 72:16

16 Let grain abound throughout the land;on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon;let it thrive like the grass of the field.

Daniel 2:44

44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

Daniel 7:13,14

13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Romans 8:19-22

19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Matthew 6:10

10 your kingdom come,your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 14:14-21

14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." 16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. 18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Isaiah 25:8

8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 33:24

24 No one living in Zion will say, "I am ill"; and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven.

Mark 4:37-39

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

John 11:43,44

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

 

[Jeremy Mason]

This is hilarious!
Let's start from the top. The OP doesn't take into consideration that God will reward those who suffer because of Him in ways that far exceed any suffering. Beaudreaux, as you can see in his OP gives a loaded scenario by not including the other side of the Judeo/Christian theology.

Imagine the person you love most in the world. Now imagine that person in a hospital bed before you wracked in pain and dying of pancreatic cancer. After attending to your loved one for several days and taking in the full extent of their suffering, a doctor walks up to you and says "You know I have a cure for that type of cancer." You think to yourself "this is fantastic! My loved one can be spared!" But when you ask the doctor to give your loved one the cure, he refuses. You beg, you plead, you take legal action, but none of it works. The doctor refuses and your loved one dies shortly afterward.

What would we say about this doctor? Would we say he was a good man? No! We would probabaly say he is a demon. But God is just like the doctor. He sits back and watches the evil and suffering that plagues humanity knowing full well that he could prevent it, yet he refuses to.

So, what can we say about God?

"Another loaded question and supposed lie"

Here's where the who goes to Heaven or Hell starts.

http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/1403667-post193.html

Quote: By Caladan
An interesting take on this, but in a Christian worldview that only works if 100% of the victims of these disasters are Christians. If not, those who are not Christians are headed to an eternity of unimaginable pain and punishment. This makes God's inaction worse by an order of magnitude since he is letting so many go to hell rather than give them another chance.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Mason
Have you read the Bible?

Quote:
Cover to cover. What do you want to know?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Mason
Remember the part that says,"God will forgive who He forgives"?

The context of my comments was that someone was arguing that the victims of natural disaster are taken to a better place. Does that mean ALL of them went to heaven? Every person who ever died of Smallpox (and there were MILLIONS) was coincidentally a Christian? T

I don't understand how you are responding to this with your quote.

This is where I tell Beaudreaux that this is a question for God not me or anyone for that matter. For some reason he wants to call me a lier. MYTH BUSTED!!! He clearly asks the question,"Does that mean ALL of them went to heaven?"

Silly question follow right behind.

Every person who ever died of Smallpox (and there were MILLIONS) was coincidentally a Christian?

No explanation needed. But Beaudreaux twists this to somehow mean this :areyoucra

Jeremy Avoidance Strategy 2: Claim that the question is loaded or silly and then claim you are "above" addressing such questions

The questions are not loaded or silly. Theodicy (the problem of evil) has been a question that theologians have wrestled with for centuries. St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and countless other theologians and great thinkers have devoted significant time and effort in answering this question. The did not do this because the question is silly and their collective dialogue on the subject is not considered "stupid". And, Jeremy, the questions I've asked you are not loaded simply because you don't know how to answer them. "Have you stopped beating your wife?" is loaded because it assumes something that may not be true and Yes or No answers admit to this assumption. "Why doesn't God prevent natural disasters?" is a question that makes no such assumption. The only "loaded" aspect of this question is that it assumes the existence of God.

Who's lying now Beaudreaux?

Frubals

In response to If_U_Knew's post #273.

Quote:
Originally Posted by IF_u_knew

hmmm.. haha.. I don't know what to think about you to be quite honest. No matter.. I just don't see the point in placing blame on G.d.

I am not sure what people expect when they want a happy go lucky world. I have learned more from the hard times in my life than I have the "good" times. Life is life. If someone does not like it, they always having the option to opt out, no?

I agree. Frubals

I have no idea where Beaudreaux was going with this other than If_U_Knew and I were poking fun of the idea that people think God is out to be some kind of malious deity.

Jeremy Avoidance Strategy 3: I'm a great guy and you deserve sarcasm

I'm sure everyone here loves you, but I would point out once again that the question of theodicy is well respected in the theological and philosophical communities. If Aquinas were posting on this forum about the problem of evil, I would look forward to a good "I know you are but what am I?" from Mr. Popular.

I'm sure Aquinas' OP would have taken into consideration the other half of the Judeo/Christian story.

As I have shown

• the OP is loaded
• The question of who goes to Heaven or Hell is loaded.
• The question "Every person who ever died of Smallpox (and there were MILLIONS) was coincidentally a Christian?" was silly.
• That I do frubal intelligent people.
• etc,etc=CHECK and MATE!!! :yes: