Mr Smith & Folkman, Regarding your defense of God in the …

Comment on Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict by Ricky Kim.

Mr Smith & Folkman,

Regarding your defense of God in the topic of theodicy, allow me to explain my reasoning behind my distaste for your stances:

Issues:
1. We are automatically labeled as “sinners” from the day we are born due to the actions of Adam and Eve. To understand how ludicrous this idea is, let me give you an illustration. Your parents are North Koreans who conspired against… the established government. They were duly captured, and as punishment the government decides to cut off their hands and legs, and also decides to carry out this mutilating sentence to their future offspring’s. The concept of free will or choice, which is so cherished by Christians, is in no way present within this situation. For the offspring’s are not judged based upon their own merit, but rather their parents. Thus they literally become scapegoats, punished for actions in which they themselves did not commit, which is not only unjust but also ridiculous. And to expand upon this idiocy, they are required to confide and seek redemption in the man called Christ for the condition in which they have been forcefully placed. To do otherwise will mean to condemn oneself to everlasting torment. Utterly ridiculous.
2. Now. If you can make the claim/rebuttal to the latter by saying that “although the children may have been born into an unfair situation that they did not ask for, but still have the free will to choose Christ.” Let me answer you by saying this. In this world, one’s belief structure is strongly reinforced and influenced by the geographic region and time period in which they are born into. For example, if you lived in ancient Greece you would worship Zeus or Poseidon, If you were born in the Middle East you would believe in Mohammed, if you were born in China you would confide in the teachings of Buddha or Confucius, etc… In this arena of diverging thoughts and perspectives. How can one find truth? If we are to argue that truth is the Christian message of having faith in Christ? Honestly, if you were a Christian and some Buddhist came up to you waving his little Buddhist bible asking you to convert to the “truth”. What is more likely? That you would accept it? Or dismiss it as false? If we are to take the position that Buddhism is indeed the truth? You would dismiss of course, because you believe that the Christian bible is the truth. Thus even in this scenario the population of the world is placed in an unfair situation.
3. If we claim that God is all-powerful, knowing, and loving then why did God create the universe? Particularly the planet called earth? If He knew that by creating the world he will essentially damn men to suffer and die? If you were a parent, and knew that by conceiving you will place your children in a cycle of pain and unspeakable suffering. Why would you do it? Unless you were to say that he did not know (in which case why call him God?) or that he limited his knowledge (in which case he is being extremely unethical and sadistic at best).

Ricky Kim Also Commented

Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
[edit – Sorry Ricky. Your recent questions and comments, while very interesting and provocative, are simply not part of the main purpose of this particular forum. All the best with your continued search. Just consider that your ability to be empathetic with the suffering of humanity was given to you from outside of yourself. If there is a God, surely He knows what you feel since He is the one who created you with the moral sensibilities that you have… – sp]


Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
Prof. Kent,

I will agree with you in your statement that there are no easy answers for this question. Which is why I continue to disbelieve in a loving, all-powerful, and all-knowing God. I dare say, that this question is apart of many others which leads fellow human beings like myself to question God’s existence and more importantly his character. If he truly cared for the skeptics out there, I would think that he will reveal this hidden mystery that frustrates so many. What is he so scared of? Also, in regards to your comment, does God really need a companion? I thought he didn’t need anything?

However, I digress.
It seems like our only answer to resolving suffering in this world gentlemen is to combat it. In the spirit of the “Good Book” I say that will be to take care of the poor, widow, orphan, and resident alien among us. To fight for the rights of the marginalized, and to give voice to those who have none. And ultimately regain the dignity that has been robbed through violence, rape, and other wicked acts.

May we live honorably up to the various convictions we hold to be true.

Cheerio.


Jay Gallimore comments on evolution conflict
Mr. Lysle Williams,

With all do respect, It really frustrates me how you continue to babble on things that makes no point whatsoever to the question I am asking.
Your argument regarding free-will alongside the various illustration you have so elaborately written up in support of your thesis makes no mark if we were to consider my original proposition:

Why did God create anything to begin with? Why not just hang out with the trinity? Knowing that by creating he is leaving the fate of his creatures to chance? Why create? what is the purpose of creating anything? Do you understand my question now? If you don’t please say so.