First, my response to question #18:
In the classic form of the "problem of evil," the dilemma posed is "if God is all-powerful and all-loving, why then hasn't God removed evil from the world?" More simply, "why does God allow suffering?" I don't have a complete answer why, but it is clear that pain, suffering and evil do exist. I'm not convinced that their complete removal would ultimately make us humans that much happier (since it would mean the loss of free will). Still, if forced to choose between believing that God is all-powerful or all-loving (assuming that the existence of suffering proves that God is not both) I will quickly choose all-loving. Since I know that I will experience pain in my life, I know I will need the loving presence of my God. I've never known the love of God to fail.
Now for today's question:
Question #19
Judges 11:29 says that the spirit of YHWH came upon Jephthah and he proceeds to make the rash decision to sacrifice the first thing he sees upon returning home. We will see as we continue to read Judges that "the spirit of YHWH coming upon a person" doesn't necessarily lead to wisdom, sometimes just uncontrollable power. If the power of God can be so dangerous, what does it mean for us to seek God's presence and spirit in our lives?
In the classic form of the "problem of evil," the dilemma posed is "if God is all-powerful and all-loving, why then hasn't God removed evil from the world?" More simply, "why does God allow suffering?" I don't have a complete answer why, but it is clear that pain, suffering and evil do exist. I'm not convinced that their complete removal would ultimately make us humans that much happier (since it would mean the loss of free will). Still, if forced to choose between believing that God is all-powerful or all-loving (assuming that the existence of suffering proves that God is not both) I will quickly choose all-loving. Since I know that I will experience pain in my life, I know I will need the loving presence of my God. I've never known the love of God to fail.
Now for today's question:
Question #19
Judges 11:29 says that the spirit of YHWH came upon Jephthah and he proceeds to make the rash decision to sacrifice the first thing he sees upon returning home. We will see as we continue to read Judges that "the spirit of YHWH coming upon a person" doesn't necessarily lead to wisdom, sometimes just uncontrollable power. If the power of God can be so dangerous, what does it mean for us to seek God's presence and spirit in our lives?
Post your answer (anonymously if you prefer) using the comment field and come back tomorrow for my response and the next question.
2 comments:
I think that when we seek God in our life we are simply enriching our spirit, hopefully learning more. I think that must be one of Gods wishes. it may be more satisfying for God when we use free will and do the right things rather than removing evil and not letting us choose our actions. as far as the power of God yes it is dangerous but we deal with other things everday that are not as dangerous as Gods power but dangerous in thier own way. driving a car or operating a power saw to name a few can be quite dangerous but they make our modern life better just as Gods knowledge can make us better.
When we invite God into our lives it means that we have chosen the Love over the fear. Prompted by the Narnia reference, it means that we have already recognized both the danger and the goodness.
Post a Comment