T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
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1109.1 | | POWDML::FLANAGAN | let your light shine | Thu Jul 13 1995 11:48 | 24 |
| 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.
|
1109.2 | Adam's rebellion | RDGENG::YERKESS | bring me sunshine in your smile | Thu Jul 13 1995 11:56 | 23 |
|
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.
|
1109.3 | | RDGENG::YERKESS | bring me sunshine in your smile | Thu Jul 13 1995 12:00 | 9 |
|
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.
|
1109.4 | | OUTSRC::HEISER | watchman on the wall | Thu Jul 13 1995 18:37 | 2 |
| You can't initimately *know* Christ without suffering. BCV supplied
upon request.
|
1109.5 | | TINCUP::BITTROLFF | Gardeners Creed: Weed 'em and Reap | Thu Jul 13 1995 20:16 | 3 |
| Because sh*t happens.
Steve
|