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"Boy meets world" was one of my favorite shows growing up. Because it dealt with a lot of very relevent issues. Issues we still face today. And "Cult Fiction" was one of my favorite episodes.
"Cult Fiction" really spoke to me when I saw it. And it still does after all these years. Yea, it was a little touchy-feely and over dramatic. But, it talks about a very real problem facing and degrading today's society. And it had a really good message teaching how to combat that growing threat-having a solid, foundational belief system. Otherwise, you'll fall victim to those many cults out there preying on ,as Mr Turner put it, "lost souls who have no belief system". And,at the end of the episode, there was a part that really stuck with me. When Shawn cries out to God and says "Don't blow me off God! You're not talking but I know You're here.So,I'm just gonna talk and You can listen.God, I don't want to be empty inside anymore".And God answered in a very subtle way by Mr. Turner moving his hand as he laid in bed in a Coma. That part made me tear up because it represented that God always answers prayer--maybe not verbally or clearly. Maybe it's in a very subtle way that you have to keep your heart and mind open for. But, He does answer prayer. And, sometimes, it's not the answer we want. Because God doesn't answer prayer based on what we want or think we need at that particular moment in time. He answers prayer in a way that will benefit us in the long run. That's why having something to believe in and being surrounded by people who love you is so important. That idea has been lost in today's society and that's why so many people are being lured into these organizations that take away who you really are and replace it with something artificial and,in many cases, destructive. And, with the development of the internet, that number of people being conned by these groups is growing by the minute. That guy on youtube,Doug Perry, is a good example. That guy is one of the many people who give Christianity a bad name because he tells people things that are CLEARLY contrary to the Christian faith even though he claims to be a Christian, himself. Like the saying goes "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Make sure you have something to believe in and stand for--whether it's Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, whatever. You don't necessarily have to be a Christian(Even though it's something I STRONGLY believe in. But, I won't tell anyone what to believe). I don't believe in criticizing people's beliefs as long as they believe in something pure. But, if you don't have a foundation of beliefs to stand on, you'll fall for people like Doug Perry who's intentions are not pure and who offers false hope in return for your obedience. As I always say "In the search for truth, there are many doors to deception.Open your mind. But, Guard your heart."
We’re living in a world where being a Christian is offensive. "Christ" Is being taken out of "Christmas" and replaced with "X-mas". In fact,more than that- "Merry Christmas" is being replaced with "Happy Holidays".Prayer is out of schools, the message of the Cross is offensive, etc. But, when any other “Religion” openly prays or an Atheist says “God doesn’t exist” or our kids are forced to believe in "The Big Bang" theory or "The Theory of Evolution" in schools( not even just "taught", they're "forced". Because when they hand in an assignment that doesn't comply with "The Big Bang" or evolution,they are penalized for it) , we aren’t allowed to be offended. We’re just supposed to be okay with that. And we wonder why there is so much pain and suffering in the world.We've turned our back on the only one who has the power to help us. Funny, huh? Food for thought
Why should there be such doubt—such confusion—about the existence of God? For thousands of years, people have debated whether God exists. Most conclude that it cannot be proven—one way or the other. It is surmised that the correct answer lies in the area of abstract philosophy and the metaphysical.
Others become agnostics, asserting that they “don’t know” if God exists. Those who do accept God’s existence often do so passively, merely because they were taught it from childhood. Some do not even care. Such people probably cannot be moved from their apathy.
Atheists have concluded that God does not exist. These people represent a special category that God describes as, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). This scripture is repeated in Psalm 53:1. What follows will explain why God calls atheists “fools.”
Years ago, I learned of absolute proof that God exists. My studies lasted 2 1/2 years. I came to realize that I did not have to accept His existence “on faith.” Since that time, science has learned much more and the “case” for God’s existence has become far stronger than at any time in history. This article presents numerous absolute, immutable proofs that God doesexist. After reading it, you will never again doubt the answer to this greatest of questions! Some proofs will amaze you. Others will inspire you. Still others will surprise or even excite you. All of them will fascinate you with their simplicity. We will first examine some traditional proofs and then consider material that rests on the cutting edge of scientific understanding, before returning to established proofs. You will learn from biology, astronomy, chemistry and mathematics.
There is an all-important question that is inseparable from the question of God’s existence. The question of whether life on earth exists, because of blind, dumb luck and chance, through evolution, or because of special creation by a Supreme Being, cannot be avoided in studying the existence of God.
Did all life on earth evolve over millions of years, as evolutionists assert—or did an all-powerful God author it at creation? Most people assume evolution is true, just as those who believe in Godassume His existence. I also studied this question—evolution vs. creation—in depth, during the same period that I sought to prove God’s existence.
I learned that it takes far more “faith” to believe in the intellectually chic and fashionable evolutionary myth, than it does to believe in the existence of God. In fact, I learned thatevolution is based entirely on faith, because no facts or proof have ever been found to support it! (We have prepared a thorough and most inspiring, 33-page, magazine-sized brochure, Evolution – Facts, Fallacies and Implications. Those who read this powerful publication will never again doubt the scientific case for Creation!)
Faith does play a role in the life of a Christian. For the person who truly wants to seek God and learn to please Him, notice:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is vital to a Christian. In fact, without it, no one can please God. Notice, this verse says that those seeking God “must believe that He is.” A deep belief in God, who “rewards” all who “diligently seek Him,” requires proof of His existence. After proof has been established, then—and only then—can one have faith—absolute confidence—that what he does is being recorded in God’s mind, to be remembered when he receives his reward. If you are uncertain that God exists, because proof of that existence has not been firmly established, then, under fire, your faith will wane or disappear.
The apostle Paul wrote, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom areall things…howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge” (I Corinthians 8:5-7).
The religions of this world have created many gods of wood, stone and other material. Others exist only in the minds of men. The ancient Greeks alone served 30,000 gods and modern Hindus worship 5 million gods! Truly, there are, and have always been, “gods many, and lords many.” Yet, the God of the Bible created all the materials that men use to design their own gods. But, as Paul said, “there is not in every man that knowledge.”
Such unnecessary ignorance and confusion!
The God of the Bible has shown the way to peace, happiness and abundant life for all people willing to study His Instruction Book. Doing this would rid mankind of the confusion and evils that encompass this world. But, it is not our purpose here to prove that the God of the Bible is the one true God of creation. (Read our booklet Bible Authority...Can It Be Proven?)
Be willing to examine science. As we reason, do not suppose or hope. Stand on indisputable facts. We will see facts from a broad array of different kinds of science. They will demonstrate that an all-powerful Supreme Being, of infinite intelligence, carefully provided more than sufficient proof to remove all doubt that He exists.
The Bible is God’s instruction to mankind. He expects all who are willing to read the Bible, to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21). Surely this God would not then expect us to assume His existence, while instructing us to prove everything else from His Word!
Before beginning this study, remember, assumptions do not count! Neither do superstitious myths or traditions based on ignorance! What can be known from science? Only accept facts. Think rationally and clearly. Then accept what can be proven!
You probably have a watch. Without it, you would be lost in a world that demands that people “be on time.”
Some watches are more accurate than others. How accurate is yours? How long before it loses asecond? When this happens, you adjust it by reckoning from a more accurate source. That source, whatever it is, is also imperfect and has to be regularly updated, though not as often, to be in accord with the Master Clock of the United States at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
For many years, until 1967, Naval Observatory astronomers “observed” the motion of the earth, in relation to the heavens, to accurately measure time. All clocks in this country were set in relation to these very precise measurements. It was God who made this Master Clock of the Universe! He set the heavens in motion and mankind learned how to use its wonderful accuracy. As marvelous as this Great Clock is, the story does not end here.
In 1967, scientists built an “Atomic Clock.” It uses Cesium 133 atoms because they oscillate (vibrate) at the rate of 9,192,631,770 times per second. This produces accuracy within one second every 30 million years! Wouldn’t you love a watch that accurate? Cesium 133 atoms never vary a single vibration. They are steady—constant—reliable—and cannot be an accident of nature that just “happens” to always turn out exactly the same. God had to design the complexity and reliability of these atoms. No honest mind can believe otherwise. Men merely learned how to capture what God designed, for use in time measurement. Again, the story continues.
Doubters, consider this!
Scientists in Boulder, Colorado, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, have built an optical clock that is even more accurate. How? By measuring time with light. Time is now measured in what are called femtoseconds—or a
million-billionth of a second. These clocks use mercury ions at their “heart” to count the number of times they vibrate in a second.
Optical frequencies regularly oscillate at one million-billion (1,000,000,000,000,000—one quadrillion) times per second. By using lasers and “cooled down” mercury ions, scientists have harnessed God’s precision to better measure time. Optical clocks only slip by one second every 30 BILLION years! This is 1,000 times more accurate than atomic clocks!
All human watchmakers use extraordinary precision in their work. Quartz watches measure time by counting the exact number of oscillations of a quartz crystal through use of a digital counter.Digital clocks use the oscillations of quartz crystals or power lines (60 cycles per second in the United States), but may also count through use of digital counters. Grandfather clocks use the swing of a pendulum, once every second and recorded by metal gears inside the clock, to keep time.
As with the movement of the heavens, men have learned to capture the reliability of Cesium 133 atoms and the movement of cooled mercury ions to count time. Their number of oscillations per second never varies. Could this perfect order be the product of an accident?
In summary, only with great time and effort, the finest watchmakers in the world can, at best, devise several kinds of relatively imprecise clocks. Can any honest, fair-minded person then believe that the three highly precise clocks—the heavens, atomic and optical clocks—came about by accident? In other words, are we to believe that while very sophisticated, humanly devisedwatches required the effort and ingenuity of skilled, intelligent men to create them, clocks of far greater sophistication, precision and design developed on their own? How utterly ridiculous!
You have seen absolute proof that only the “Greatest Watchmaker” could have devised these “greatest watches.”
What is the truth of modern science regarding the origin of all matter in the universe? Do scientists tell us that it has always existed? Or have they determined that there was a moment in time in which all matter came into existence? The answer to the second question is, yes! But what is the proof that this is true?
The First Law of Thermodynamics is stated as follows: Matter and energy can be neither created nor destroyed. There are no natural processes that can alter either matter or energy in this way. This means that there is no new matter or energy coming into existence and there is nonew matter or energy passing out of existence. All who state that the universe came into existence from nothing violate the first law of thermodynamics, which was established by the very scientific community who now seem willing to ignore it. In summary, this law plainly demonstrates that the universe, and all matter and energy within it, must have had a divine origin—a specific moment in which it was created by someone who was all-powerful.
With the coming of the Atomic Age, beginning with the discovery of radium in 1898 by Madame Curie, came the knowledge that all radioactive elements continually give off radiation. Consider! Uranium has an atomic weight of 238.0. As it decomposes, it releases a helium atom three times. Each helium atom has a weight of 4. With the new weight of 226.0, uranium becomes radium. Radium continues to give off additional atoms until eventually the end product becomes the heavy inert element called lead. This takes a tremendous amount of time. While the process of uranium turning into radium is very long, the radium turns into lead in 1,590 years.
What are we saying? There was a point in time when the uranium could not have existed, because it always breaks down in a highly systematic, controlled way. It is not stable like lead or other elements. It breaks down. This means there was a specific moment in time when all radioactive elements came into existence. Remember, all of them—uranium, radium, thorium, radon, polonium, francium, protactinium and others—have not existed forever. This represents absolute proof that matter came into existence or, in other words, matter has not always existed!
This flies directly in the face of evolutionary thought—that everything gradually evolved into something else. Here is the problem. You cannot have something slowly come into existencefrom nothing! Matter could not have come into existence by itself. No rational person could believe that the entire universe—including all of the radioactive elements that prove there was a specific time of beginning—gradually came into existence BY ITSELF!
Through your own efforts, try to build something—anything—from nothing. Even with your creative power engaged in the effort, you would never be able to do it. You will not be able—in a hundred lifetimes of trying—to produce a single thing from nothing! Then, can any doubter believe that everything in the entirety of the universe, in all of its exquisite detail, came into existence completely by itself? Be honest. Accept facts. This is proof that the existing natural realm demands the existence of a Great Creator!
The Second Law of Thermodynamics is best summarized by saying that everything moves toward disorder—or a condition known as entropy. This bears some explanation and we will consider several examples.
Remember that evolutionists teach that everything is constantly evolving into a higher and more complex order. In other words, they believe things continue to get better and better instead of worse and worse.
If water being heated on a stove is at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and the burner is turned off, the temperature will drop instead of rise. It will move toward colder rather than hotter. If a ball is placed on a hill, it will always roll downhill and not uphill. Energy used to perform any particular task changes from usable energy to unusable in the performing of that task. It will always go from a higher energy level to a lower energy level—where less and less energy is available for use.
When applied to the universe, the second law of thermodynamics indicates that the universe is winding down—moving toward disorder or entropy—not winding up or moving toward more perfect order and structure. In short, the entire universe is winding down!
Even evolutionists admit that the theory of evolution and the second law of thermodynamics are completely incompatible with each other. Consider: “Regarding the second law of thermodynamics (universally accepted scientific law which states that all things left to themselves will tend to run down) or the law of entropy, it is observed, ‘It would hardly be possible to conceive of two more completely opposite principles than this principle of entropy increase and the principle of evolution. Each is precisely the converse of the other. As (Aldous) Huxley defined it, evolution involves a continual increase of order, of organization, of size, of complexity. It seems axiomatic that both cannot possibly be true. But there is no question whatever that the second law of thermodynamics is true’” (Morris, Henry M., The Twilight of Evolution, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1967, p. 35).
Like a top or a yo-yo, the universe must have been “wound up.” Since the universe is constantly winding down, the second law of thermodynamics looms before us in the form of a great question: Who wound it up? The only plausible answer is God!
We have established that creation demands a Creator. The next few paragraphs introduce some amazing scientific proofs of creation.
The theory of evolution is shot full of inconsistencies. Evolutionists have seized on many theories, within the overall theory of evolution, in an attempt to explain the origins of plants, animals, the heavens and the earth.
Over and over, these “theorists” try to explain how life evolved from inanimate material into more complex life forms until it reached the pinnacle—human beings.
Yet, as one geologist wrote, “It must be significant that nearly all the evolutionary stories I learned as student…have been debunked” (Dr. Derek V. Ager, Dept. of Geology, Imperial College, London, The Nature of the Fossil Record, Proceedings of the Geological Assoc., Vol. 87, 1976, pp. 1132-1133).
Perhaps the biggest reason that so many theories within the overall theory of evolution collapse is because they contain terrible logic requiring great leaps in faith to believe. Here is one example of a “debunked” theory: “Many evolutionists have tried to argue that humans are 99% similar chemically to apes and blood precipitation tests do indicate that the chimpanzee is people’s closest relative. Yet regarding this we must observe the following: ‘Milk chemistry indicates that the donkey is man’s closest relative.’ ‘Cholesterol level tests indicate that the garter snake is man’s closest relative.’ ‘Tear enzyme chemistry indicates that the chicken is man’s closest relative.’ ‘On the basis of another type of blood chemistry test, the butter bean is man’s closest relative’” (Morris, Henry M., The Twilight of Evolution, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1967).
Everyone has witnessed explosions. Have you ever seen one that was orderly? Or one that created a watch or a clock? Or one that produced a single thing of exquisite design—instead of the certain result of chaos and destruction? If you threw a million hand grenades, you would see them produce chaos and destruction a million times! There would never be an exception.
Consider the following quotes, involving the likelihood of an explosion creating the entire natural realm of life all around us on earth—let alone the beautiful magnificence and order seen no matter how far one looks out into space.
Dr. B. G. Ranganathan said, “…the probability of life originating from accident is comparable to the unabridged dictionary resulting from an explosion in a printing shop” (Origins?, p. 15). And this only speaks to the likelihood of any life at all, rather than the most highly complex forms such as large animals or human beings—let alone all the different kinds of life that exist today.
This is a question many have asked.
Angels are referred to in the Hebrew language as bene elohim, or "sons of God."
Bible scholar Dr. Henry Morris says this about angels:
"The only obvious and natural meaning [of the designation, "sons of God"]... is that these beings were sons of God, rather than of men, because they had been created, not born. Such a description, of course, would apply only to Adam (Luke 3:38) and to the angels, whom God had directly created (Psalm 148:2, 5; 104:4; Colossians 1:16)." Dr. Morris explains further:
Whenever angels have appeared visibly to men, as recorded in the Bible, they have appeared in the physical bodies of men. Those who met with Abraham, for example, actually ate with him (Genesis 18:8) and, later, appeared to the inhabitants of Sodom in such perfectly manlike shape that the Sodomites were attempting to take these "men" for homosexual purposes. The writer of Hebrews suggests that, on various occasions, some "have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2)."
It is true that Jesus said that...in the resurrection they "neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" (Matthew 22:30). However, this is not equivalent to saying that angels are "sexless," since people who share in the resurrection will surely retain their own personal identity, whether male or female.
Also, angels are always described, when they appear, as "men," and the pronoun "he" is always used in reference to them. Somehow they have been given by God the capacity of materializing themselves in masculine human form when occasion warrants, even though their bodies are not under the control of the gravitational and electromagnetic forces which limit our own bodies in this present life.
This probably should have been the first bog I ever posted.I was born with spina-bifida. I'm paralyzed from the knees down and have never had the ability to walk. If I had a dime for every time someone asked me whether I wish I could be healed, I'd be a millionaire. Or,the other question I'm always asked is- if I'm a Christian, why don't I pray to God and ask him to heal me?(which,to be honest,just really ticks me off because that question demeans my faith and mocks my God. But, of course, I don't say that lol) Don't get me wrong,I don't mind when people ask how I came to be in a wheelchair. That's different. That is a very legitimate question. And, honestly, I would rather someone just come out with their curiosity than just stare at me with that question in the back of their minds. I appreciate and respect a person who has the decency to be honest about their curiosity. I appreciate those who have the decency and courage to ask those kinds of questions. But, when someone questions my faith by saying that maybe it's because I just don't have enough faith to make it happen, it upsets me. And my response to that is always the same- "God doesn't make mistakes. When he creates something or someone in a certain way,it is always for a certain reason. It is up to us to figure out what that reason is and use what we've been given for a purpose. In my case,I would rather have been born with a handicapped body and a kind and generous heart rather than have a perfect body with a handicapped heart full of hate, bitterness,pride, arrogance and resentment." It's the way I was born that has made me the person I am today. I have seen many people who have it all--perfect health,perfect body,money,fame,lot's of friends. But,still, they are filled with bitterness, pride and arrogance.The only true handicap is in the heart and spirit. Or, as my personal quote says "The only true affliction is a heart without conviction". Since I was BORN this way, I have no clue what it is to be able to walk. So, I really don't know what I'm missing. How can I miss what I never had?(I consider being in a wheelchair a blessing in that way) That's why it, especially bothers me when people ask if I'm a Christian, why don't I just pray and ask God to heal me? and that maybe it's because I don't have enough faith or that God either doesn't exist or just doesn't have the power to do it. God's power is limitless. But, we have to want what He has the power to do. It's us who put limits on God by, eirther not believing He can do something or just not asking for it. So, next time you see someone who is handicapped, before you make any judgements or assumptions about what he or she wishes she had or could do, stop and think--maybe this person is content with who they are. It's alright to ask them about their condition. But, before you ask them whether they wish things were different, try to consider that they just might be happy as they are.
"Holding You"
Sitting here in the stillness
I can almost hear your heartbeat
But how can it be?
You're not even here beside me
Maybe I'm just dreaming
But it seems so real to me
Still I sit here by myself
While my heart is somewhere else
No matter where I'm going
I just pray I find you there
I don't want to wake
Until this dream comes true
And even though I don't know
What my future has to hold
To be honest,I don't care
As long as I am holding you
Late at night I close my eyes
I can almost see your face
And even as I'm sleeping
Every heart beat speaks your name
I know it's hard to put your heart on the line
But, remember, I've already given you mine
No matter where I'm going
I just pray I find you there
I don't want to wake
Until this dream comes true
And even though I don't know
What my future has to hold
To be honest,I don't care
As long as I am holding you
"I'm alright.I'm okay"
My nephew was amazing. He never used to cry. Any time he would fall or get hurt,he would just get up,brush himself off and say "I'm alright,I'm okay." Which is pretty unusual for a 5 yr old.Also,there was something he would do that we all called "googly eyes", in which he would smile and bat his eye lashes. We miss you Seth. See you soon,buddy,
Tearfully, we watched you
As you slowly slipped away
Although it hurt to see you go
We could not make you stay
A golden heart stopped beating
A joyful smile at rest
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best
You brightened up the darkest day
When you flashed those “googly eyes"
It put a smile on our face
When it hurt too much to cry
Now, when we see your picture
You look back at us and say
“Don’t cry I’m here with Jesus
I’m alright, I’m okay”
I address this in the blogg following this one.However,I felt that it was so important that it deserved a blog of it's own because this is a question many people ask,
What makes Jesus' suffering and death on the cross different from other martyrs through out history is that ,aside from the physical pain he endured- being beaten,spat on,given a mock coronation with a thornbush crown placed on His head and then suffer an agonizing death on a cross which he hung on for hours.(which some would argue that if Jesus was God,what makes his sacrifice so great?He could EASILY endure it and then come back from the dead. So it's really not a sacrifice.) But, What really makes Jesus' sacrifice so unique is that,not only did He suffer PHYSICAL pain, He also took the sins of the world into himself. Which means He suffered through the pain of everything we have ever gone through-sickness,disease,rape,emotional abuse,every kind of pain you can think of, He suffered all at once. That was the only way He could pay for those injustices--to endure them, Himself.
most of the people who don't like him are people who are like the guests on his show.They see themselves in the guests he has on his show and (in the words of Jack Nicholson) "can't handle the truth".And what a lot of people don't understand is that he has a team of the top experts in the country in every field-medical,psychology,law,etc on his advisory board that help him out. He doesn't do it on his own.Also, he spends MONTHS studying the cases before he has those people on his show.
One case he had on his show,I thought, was hilarious. It was a woman who had a HUGE problem with the way he handled a guest on a previous show. She went on his show,arrogantly, thinking she was going to show HIM a thing or two and it ended up backfiring on her.(some of you may remember the episode I'm talking about). She obviously didn't do her homework.Because the things he said that she criticized him for, he had recordings of those shows to back up what he said and show her that she was wrong.I bet she felt like a real ass afterwords. I think that was one of my favorite shows. I wish everyone who criticizes his methods and the way he handles things had a chance to go on his show so he can put them in their place like he did with her.
His show is a helluva lot better than the other crap thats on TV today-Maury,Jerry Springer,etc. Because he treats every guest with dignity and respect and doesn't put up with their crap and excuses. Most other talk show host just let their guests bicker and argue and,even, physically fight. Dr. Phil doesn't allow that. People who don't like him are the ones who like to see that crap.
Like most of my blogs,I know this one is incredibly long.However, it addresses many questions people have about God and why He allows things to happen.So I hope people will read the whole thing and give it a chance instead of skimming through it with the initial intent to debate or refute it.God bless all of you:)
This is a world with tragic death, third world suffering and lingering, painful illness. And so people ask questions like:
Well, the first thing to do is to remember that for every difficult and complex problem there is a simple solution………….. that is wrong! The problem of evil and suffering is difficult and complex and no one ever said there had to be a single solution for all suffering. Trying to explain human accidents, perfectly natural events (like dying), natural disasters and deliberate suffering all with one simple explanation is probably impossible.
This means we have to think things through; pray through it; study scripture. There is a great need for people to be prepared: to think through their attitude to pain, death and suffering ahead of time is essential. And as well as the questions noted above there are other questions that should be asked, but usually aren’t:
Why do we find this so hard to deal with?
Perhaps there should be no surprise that the question of pain and suffering is one that people find very difficult today because, as a society, we are very pain averse! As a modern scientifically and technologically literate society we have done a lot to get rid of the pain and suffering that people previously had no way of dealing with. While questions about pain and suffering have always been around I think they are particularly sharp today. I think in previous eras pain and death, even tragic and early death, was accepted with a much higher degree of equanimity. Today it is an affront to our egotistic belief that we can control life!
As a contrast, note that in the 17th century Jeremy Taylor’s two books Holy Living and Holy Dying were hugely popular. With the latter being the big seller! It was instruction on how to use every day to prepare for suffering and death. Live every moment in readiness for your death! Be ready for the death of others; use your time wisely to be ready for suffering. I am sure that they had a very different attitude to us.
The first step is the affirmation is that God is good – a theology of providence
Providence is the outworking of God’s sovereignty by which his purposes are achieved in and through all events even despite any apparent or real opposition to his will and purposes. It refers to all of God’s gracious actions in the world – food, rain, clothing, seasons; and the general care through government, social institutions, family, friends. It can include conscience; morality; intelligence.Providence asserts that God is good and loving.
Providence is an assertion of meaning in life. The doctrine of providence is contrary to
The greatest good, of course, is Christ: We must resist the temptation to think of providence – or suffering – independently, that is separately from that which makes a Christian doctrine of providence truly Christian, which is Christ (Ephesian 1:4ff). In the end it is true that “Jesus is the answer”!
At this point though, the problem of providence remains: if God is so good why is there still evil? And to some extent the answer is, controversially, because he’s good! This is, of course, a statement of faith, though we can begin to understand it if we continue to think it through!
The reality is that this world is good, but it is not “the best of all possible worlds” but it is the best, the only way to get to the best of all possible worlds. That “best of all possible worlds” is yet to come. It is the New Creation where there is no pain and no suffering. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
So if that is the ultimate aim, a world with no pain, then why does not God arrange it so that we go straight there? And the answer is that some things are just impossible. A round square; a married bachelor. More seriously some very important things cannot be done, except in certain ways, as we shall see………
The second step: the freewill explanation of evil and suffering
Much, though not all, of the evil and tragedy of the world can be seen as the result of human sin: we drive too fast and cause accidents; we don’t share food and medical resources; we hurt others. We could do otherwise, but we don’t. As human beings we have the free-will to be able to choose and this means we can choose badly. And the point is that God cannot make a person without free-will. If you make a person who is able to love, then they will be able to hate. If you let someone have the freedom to choose, then they will sometimes choose the wrong thing.
In short, you can make an animal or a robot without free-will but you cannot make a person without free will. God does not like the bad choices we make and he weeps over them too. But in order to achieve the greater good of people in communion with God the possibility of evil has to enter the world.
Of course, this does not explain all suffering! But bear in mind what I said about there not being one, simple answer for something as complex as this! There is more.
The third step: the greater good explanation
This part of the explanation says that although tragic suffering is, in one sense, definitely evil (it would be foolish, even scandalous to suggest that suffering was not a terrible thing), in another sense it is a positive good because without it we could never be the people that God wants us to be.
To take a simple example: how does one learn patience? Only by being kept waiting. How does one learn to be joyful? Only by being confronted with times are difficult. If nothing is ever a problem then you can never learn to overcome it. How do you learn to love? Only by dealing with the possibility of not loving!
It might take some time for you to think through this, and the implications of a world where no one is ever kept waiting, hurt, disappointed, frustrated, or has to deal with anger, offense, loss or the unexpected. The only way that human, emotional, spiritual growth can take place is in the face of adversity. And so, without denying the evil, it can be turned into good. This is the nature of God who is able to turn around that which is meant for evil and use it for good.
I would never be too quick to suggest to people who have suffered that “Oh, this is for your good!” Bad things are bad things and in the first instance we have to empathize and deal with that fact. But, ultimately, the worst evil - the death of Christ for instance – can be turned around for good.
The Scripture speaks frequently of the way that suffering, of various kinds, can be used for good:
2 Cor 4:7-18 – it shows the power of God; reveals the life of Jesus; and encourages us
1 Peter 1 v.7 – trials shows the genuineness of faith
James 1:12 – temptation reveals faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 – it leads to perseverance and faith
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 – believers are consoled so they can console others and so they will learn to rely on God
2 Corinthians 11:22-30 – it shows our weakness and God’s power
2 Cor 7:5-13 – Godly grief that led to repentance
Hebrews 12:3-11 – the pain of discipline; suffering that produces righteousness
John15:2 Pruning branches that bear no fruit
James 1 v.3 – testing produces endurance and maturity
Matthew 5:10-12 – persecution (leads to) reward
1 Peter 3:13-18 -suffering for doing right brings blessing
Philippians 3:10 – Paul desires to know the sufferings of Christ to become like him
Colossians 1:24-2 we should rejoice in suffering because this means ‘completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body’
2 Cor 6:1-10 – suffering commends the gospel
Philippians 1:12-18- helps the spread of the gospel
2 Timothy 2:1-1 – join in suffering for the witness of the gospel
But despite all this talk of positive benefits I can well imagine people still thinking that it would be good if God would just get rid of the worst pain and suffering. People complain, “Why not do something about this or that, that’s terrible!” Well let us consider what would happen if God took away the worst suffering and evil that there is in the world. It’s simply the case that if the worst imaginable evil disappeared from this world then something else will become the worst imaginable evil and people would complain about that, “why should that happen, that’s terrible!” The fact is that if you’re going to get rid of evil you have to get rid of all of it. And that takes us to the final answer….
The final step is to remember that the problem has been solved!
People ask, “Why doesn’t God do something about it?” The answer is that he has!In the death of Christ on the cross he has borne the pain and suffering, the sin and evil of the world. The way to heaven – where there is no more pain and suffering – is open.
It is true that we live in an interim period – after the death of Christ and the salvation of the world, but before the final consummation of all things. And in this interim period pain and suffering continues. But this is also itself a time of great grace and love, because this is the time of opportunity for people to turn to Christ and be saved.
Why do we find this so hard to deal with?
Perhaps there should be no surprise that the question of pain and suffering is one that people find very difficult today because, as a society, we are very pain averse! As a modern scientifically and technologically literate society we have done a lot to get rid of the pain and suffering that people previously had no way of dealing with. While questions about pain and suffering have always been around I think they are particularly sharp today. I think in previous eras pain and death, even tragic and early death, was accepted with a much higher degree of equanimity. Today it is an affront to our egotistic belief that we can control life!
As a contrast, note that in the 17th century Jeremy Taylor’s two books Holy Living and Holy Dying were hugely popular. With the latter being the big seller! It was instruction on how to use every day to prepare for suffering and death. Live every moment in readiness for your death! Be ready for the death of others; use your time wisely to be ready for suffering. I am sure that they had a very different attitude to us.
The first step is the affirmation is that God is good – a theology of providence
Providence is the outworking of God’s sovereignty by which his purposes are achieved in and through all events even despite any apparent or real opposition to his will and purposes. It refers to all of God’s gracious actions in the world – food, rain, clothing, seasons; and the general care through government, social institutions, family, friends. It can include conscience; morality; intelligence.Providence asserts that God is good and loving.
Providence is an assertion of meaning in life. The doctrine of providence is contrary to
The greatest good, of course, is Christ: We must resist the temptation to think of providence – or suffering – independently, that is separately from that which makes a Christian doctrine of providence truly Christian, which is Christ (Ephesian 1:4ff). In the end it is true that “Jesus is the answer”!
At this point though, the problem of providence remains: if God is so good why is there still evil? And to some extent the answer is, controversially, because he’s good! This is, of course, a statement of faith, though we can begin to understand it if we continue to think it through!
The reality is that this world is good, but it is not “the best of all possible worlds” but it is the best, the only way to get to the best of all possible worlds. That “best of all possible worlds” is yet to come. It is the New Creation where there is no pain and no suffering. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
So if that is the ultimate aim, a world with no pain, then why does not God arrange it so that we go straight there? And the answer is that some things are just impossible. A round square; a married bachelor. More seriously some very important things cannot be done, except in certain ways, as we shall see………
The second step: the freewill explanation of evil and suffering
Much, though not all, of the evil and tragedy of the world can be seen as the result of human sin: we drive too fast and cause accidents; we don’t share food and medical resources; we hurt others. We could do otherwise, but we don’t. As human beings we have the free-will to be able to choose and this means we can choose badly. And the point is that God cannot make a person without free-will. If you make a person who is able to love, then they will be able to hate. If you let someone have the freedom to choose, then they will sometimes choose the wrong thing.
In short, you can make an animal or a robot without free-will but you cannot make a person without free will. God does not like the bad choices we make and he weeps over them too. But in order to achieve the greater good of people in communion with God the possibility of evil has to enter the world.
Of course, this does not explain all suffering! But bear in mind what I said about there not being one, simple answer for something as complex as this! There is more.
The third step: the greater good explanation
This part of the explanation says that although tragic suffering is, in one sense, definitely evil (it would be foolish, even scandalous to suggest that suffering was not a terrible thing), in another sense it is a positive good because without it we could never be the people that God wants us to be.
To take a simple example: how does one learn patience? Only by being kept waiting. How does one learn to be joyful? Only by being confronted with times are difficult. If nothing is ever a problem then you can never learn to overcome it. How do you learn to love? Only by dealing with the possibility of not loving!
It might take some time for you to think through this, and the implications of a world where no one is ever kept waiting, hurt, disappointed, frustrated, or has to deal with anger, offense, loss or the unexpected. The only way that human, emotional, spiritual growth can take place is in the face of adversity. And so, without denying the evil, it can be turned into good. This is the nature of God who is able to turn around that which is meant for evil and use it for good.
I would never be too quick to suggest to people who have suffered that “Oh, this is for your good!” Bad things are bad things and in the first instance we have to empathize and deal with that fact. But, ultimately, the worst evil - the death of Christ for instance – can be turned around for good.
The Scripture speaks frequently of the way that suffering, of various kinds, can be used for good:
2 Cor 4:7-18 – it shows the power of God; reveals the life of Jesus; and encourages us
1 Peter 1 v.7 – trials shows the genuineness of faith
James 1:12 – temptation reveals faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 – it leads to perseverance and faith
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 – believers are consoled so they can console others and so they will learn to rely on God
2 Corinthians 11:22-30 – it shows our weakness and God’s power
2 Cor 7:5-13 – Godly grief that led to repentance
Hebrews 12:3-11 – the pain of discipline; suffering that produces righteousness
John15:2 Pruning branches that bear no fruit
James 1 v.3 – testing produces endurance and maturity
Matthew 5:10-12 – persecution (leads to) reward
1 Peter 3:13-18 -suffering for doing right brings blessing
Philippians 3:10 – Paul desires to know the sufferings of Christ to become like him
Colossians 1:24-2 we should rejoice in suffering because this means ‘completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body’
2 Cor 6:1-10 – suffering commends the gospel
Philippians 1:12-18- helps the spread of the gospel
2 Timothy 2:1-1 – join in suffering for the witness of the gospel
But despite all this talk of positive benefits I can well imagine people still thinking that it would be good if God would just get rid of the worst pain and suffering. People complain, “Why not do something about this or that, that’s terrible!” Well let us consider what would happen if God took away the worst suffering and evil that there is in the world. It’s simply the case that if the worst imaginable evil disappeared from this world then something else will become the worst imaginable evil and people would complain about that, “why should that happen, that’s terrible!” The fact is that if you’re going to get rid of evil you have to get rid of all of it. And that takes us to the final answer….
The final step is to remember that the problem has been solved!
People ask, “Why doesn’t God do something about it?” The answer is that he has!In the death of Christ on the cross he has borne the pain and suffering, the sin and evil of the world. The way to heaven – where there is no more pain and suffering – is open.
It is true that we live in an interim period – after the death of Christ and the salvation of the world, but before the final consummation of all things. And in this interim period pain and suffering continues. But this is also itself a time of great grace and love, because this is the time of opportunity for people to turn to Christ and be saved.
