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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

1109.0. "why is there pain and suffering" by POWDML::FLANAGAN (let your light shine) Thu Jul 13 1995 11:35

    
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1109.1POWDML::FLANAGANlet your light shineThu Jul 13 1995 11:4824
    Given that I am still toying with Process Theology  (I have a paper to
    complete sometime this summer) I can understand the Process Answer.
    
    God is the creative force in the Universe that attracts all being to
    greater complexity at the least amount of pain and suffering.  God's
    power is persuasive power and not Authoritarian power.  God gives real
    freedom of action to all entities and especially the most complex
    entities which are humans.
    
    If God's goal were to create the least amount of pain and suffering
    then God would not have created the Universe.  Without life, there
    would be no suffering and pain.  As life is pushed to more and more
    complexity, pain and suffering is a part of life.
    
    God in given real power to humans, gives humanity the responsibility
    for co-creativity with God.  Humanity itself can either increase or
    decrease pain and suffering.  Collectively, humanity does a lot to
    increase pain and suffering.  Violence, greed, self centeredness are
    all part of the human condition.
    
    How can we use the power of co creativity given to us by God to create
    a world with less pain and suffering. 
    
    God is not omnipotent!.  God has given real power to humanity. 
1109.2Adam's rebellionRDGENG::YERKESSbring me sunshine in your smileThu Jul 13 1995 11:5623
    
    Patricia,
    
    To give a succint answer, it is because the first man Adam rebelled
    against God wanting self-rule. We are now reaping the harvest that
    rebellion brought to mankind , for as the Bible writer wrote "I well
    know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does
    not belong to man who is wlaking even to direct his step." Jeremiah
    10:23 NWT Adam drew away from the source of life, the problem being
    was that man was not created to act independently of his Creator.
    
    Further, mans efforts to make a better world are in vain. In fact 
    mankinds rule has led to the suffering of others, as another Bible
    writer put it "that man has dominated man to his injury" Ecclesiastes
    8:9 NWT. Either directly or indirectly man causes much of the suffering
    going on in the world.
    
    
    The answer to mankinds woes in God's kingdom that will bring an end to
    mankinds self rule (Daniel 2:44). With Jesus as king, a bright future
    is there for the subjects of this kingdom.
    
    Phil.
1109.3RDGENG::YERKESSbring me sunshine in your smileThu Jul 13 1995 12:009
    
    Patricia,
    
    I wrote my reply without seeing .1, I'll read it and get back.
    
    BTW not all pain is bad, for example the pain we receive when putting a
    hand near a fire helps one to realise the danger in getting any closer.
    
    Phil.
1109.4OUTSRC::HEISERwatchman on the wallThu Jul 13 1995 18:372
    You can't initimately *know* Christ without suffering.  BCV supplied
    upon request.
1109.5TINCUP::BITTROLFFGardeners Creed: Weed 'em and ReapThu Jul 13 1995 20:163
Because sh*t happens.

Steve