What does the bible/religion figures explain about God being good and people starving, dying, killing, etc?
So. My friend basically says 'I don't think there's a God if there's so much dying and killing, people starving, deliberately hurting each other, wars and such' . My question is that has there been any response or something in the bible or from religious figures on this (that why is there so much disarray in the world when supposedly a god is present)? Any opinions is welcome and encouraged.
Excuse me, this is NOT for homework, but this is for personal discussion. It stemmed out of curiosity and I am not well-versed when it comes to any religious documents, the bible, and such. kthx.
another thing he asks: "How come no one (He) has not intervened, like in the Holocaust or WWI?"
Jesus explicitly answered these in at least 4 separate teachings. You should not let your friend make you do their homework !!
Besides the basic fact that God took on human nature and deeply entered that suffering Himself !!! there is the following (a sampling )
DIVES and LAZARUS
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen; and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, Desiring to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, and no one did give him; moreover the dogs came, and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom:
And he cried, and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.
And Abraham said to him: Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazareth evil things, but now he is comforted; and thou art tormented.
THE REPORT OF GALILEEN ATROCITIES
1 Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
The whole book of JOB too
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April 25 2009 08:21 am | Bible
SanJoseHope-asaurus on 25 Apr 2009 at 2:06 pm #
Jesus explicitly answered these in at least 4 separate teachings. You should not let your friend make you do their homework !!
Besides the basic fact that God took on human nature and deeply entered that suffering Himself !!! there is the following (a sampling )
DIVES and LAZARUS
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen; and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, Desiring to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, and no one did give him; moreover the dogs came, and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom:
And he cried, and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.
And Abraham said to him: Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazareth evil things, but now he is comforted; and thou art tormented.
THE REPORT OF GALILEEN ATROCITIES
1 Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
The whole book of JOB too
References :
Captain "C" du CaLaCo on 25 Apr 2009 at 2:25 pm #
God did not create the grief. Human beings do. That being said let me also add that if every one was to follow God's law there would be no hunger, dying, killing, etc. Jesus taught to "..do unto others as you would have them do to you.." If every one did that there would be no killing for sure. No one would starve to death and so on. You would not let your neighbor starve if you would not want him to let you starve if conditions were reversed – right?
The fact is – the people who refuse to follow Christ and His teachings are the ones who create the misery on earth. Ungodly government leaders kill their own people and cry to the civilized nations to hand out money. We should be saying NO or else we partake in their sin.
Set conditions. Help for decent treatment of your people.
Murders – get converted to live for God, they could not/wouldnot kill any more. Get my point? Good!
References :
Theological studies.
Jhonfer on 25 Apr 2009 at 2:59 pm #
All the bad thing happening in the world are not coming from God for God is love. But one must remember the first sin ever- committed in heaven by satan who by the way reigns in the world.
When God created human being His intention was for us to be like Him (HOLY) but we screwed up. And when some one denies God it is satan who celebrates another conquer. Read Romans 1-18
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mark m on 25 Apr 2009 at 3:46 pm #
First off, that is a very good question. Here is something that a lot of people mistake. A lot of religious people deal with this question their whole life. Satan has power second only to the holy Trinity. Humans in the garden of Eden made a choice. God told them not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God told them when they did, they would surely die. They ate of the tree, and disobeyed God. Satan made them lust after it. One of the verses that God used to wake me up was the part in Revelation where "That old serpent of old, the one who deceives the whole world…" Satan is the cause of all the evil in this world. He is very powerful, and should not be taken lightly. Satan let's everyone believe that God makes bad things happen. In reality, Satan is the evil hand behind all of this. If you need more info, please e-mail me at themark08@yahoo.com. May God Bless you for witnessing to your friend. God is very proud of you. I have a letter from God that you can have for your friend. If you ever need it, or want it, just let me know. May God be with you.
References :
*The Bible
Mechanically Challenged on 25 Apr 2009 at 4:27 pm #
Satin is the prince of the air means he is everywhere. Now once we get to heaven than there will be no more sickness, death , pain or tears. But for now God has to weed out those who turn their backs on Him. And we as Christians try to win souls for the Kingdom of heaven.
A day will come when all this will be destroyed by the hand of God and everyone will go to the they worshiped
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Cecile on 25 Apr 2009 at 5:00 pm #
Biblically: This is the condition of the world since Eve disobeyed God, Cain killed Abel, Isaac stole the birthright of Esau, etc…The israelites being stiff-neck people even thou God took them out as slaves from Egypt. Living in this earth is already hell, maybe this is hell. We suffer and if we are faithful to God no matter what, then our reward is Heaven.
Nowadays: We are told that we work before we eat.
In my 50+ yrs of life in this earth, since I woke up, social injustice is already in placed. It got worsen, so to speak. Coming from a poor family, I struggled and no amount of sweat and tears could be measured. I think, self help is the answer.. got to do the 'work' as Jesus said. The poor and the sick has been aided as far as I could remember and up to now, there is no amount of aid that could lift them up from misery. E.g. the Bill Gates foundation has aided so much money..yet it is not enough. Meaning this world does not exist or is not made up that you live on dole outs… you've got to work. The poor downtrodden africans, being killed by their own people, misplaced them, sick, hungry and illiterate, some thru no fault of their own, are suffering due to the incompetence of their corrupt governments.
That's the world condition and is expressly so provided in the holy scriptures.
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Love&Mercy&Piece on 25 Apr 2009 at 5:09 pm #
Being a Muslim it is my belief that
1. Starving people:
Scientific explanation: Humans can survive with a very little amount of food. 55% of deaths caused by starvation is because of insufficient nutrition of babies below 1 year-old. And this causes immune system's weakness and consequently germs defeat the body to death.
Cause and result (responsibility and starvation): God creates means of nutrition, seads, rain, sun, earth and give wit and mercy to people. People who are representativee of goodness. But today's wealthy people don't use these blessings and consequently cause these starvation deaths by being selfish egoist self-centered living things and betraying humanity.
Agricultural fact: If farmers use enough amount of fertilizers, production of food increases 10 times which is sufficient to feed 31.5 billion people living on earth according to a scientific research done in England.
"Quran 11, 6. There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth its resting place and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record. "
Also life in here is a farm, which gives harvest in the life in hereafter. Here is not a place to entertain and reward. Here is a place to work, learn and do good deeds. And
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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Quran 10, 44. Verily Allah will not deal unjustly with man in aught: It is man that wrongs his own soul.
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Therefor who is responsible of this deaths will be punished. And who starves innocently, will see a merciful welcome.
For your other questions I can give similar answers.
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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,
2. And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),
3. And man cries (distressed): 'What is the matter with her?'-
4. On that Day will she declare her tidings:
5. For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.
6. On that Day will men proceed in groups sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).
7. Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
8. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.
Quran 99, 1-8
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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Quran 10, 30. There will every soul see (the fruits of) the deeds it sent before: they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord, and their invented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.
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References :
http://kuran.gen.tr/?x=s_main&y=s_middle&kid=14&sid=99
http://kuran.gen.tr/?x=s_main&y=s_middle&kid=14&sid=10
Amy on 25 Apr 2009 at 5:39 pm #
That is a great question, which I haven't time to answer at this moment–but I would really love to help you out. I've done some writing on this (the question of suffering) and have a knowledge of the bible.
Would you mind sharing somewhere I can contact you at (an email of some sort)? I don't know if I'll have a chance to respond before this question expires. Or you can email me through my yahoo answers account. I really hope we can talk!!
EDIT: my email is loveisjoy@goowy.com
References :
apator123 on 25 Apr 2009 at 6:09 pm #
Wickedness—Why Does God Permit It?
IF A friend of yours were robbed, raped or murdered and the criminal let go free, would you not feel frustration, hurt and anger? Such crimes and injustices are just a small reflection of what has befallen mankind.
2 History is a long record of brutal wars, crushing poverty, crime and oppression. As a result, some persons have come to doubt the very existence of God. We know that there is convincing evidence that the Creator exists. (Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20) But there is wickedness too. For this reason, even many who believe in God wonder, ‘Does he really care about us?’ They ask, ‘If God does care, why has he permitted wickedness for so long?’
3 Philosophers and clergymen have often dealt with this matter, but have no satisfying answers. What does God himself say?
GOD ANSWERS: ‘I DO CARE’
4 Based on our experience, we can appreciate the Hebrew prophet Habakkuk’s reaction to violence and injustice. He lived at a time when the Jews had fallen into many bad practices, which sorely troubled Habakkuk and moved him to ask God:
“Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.”—Habakkuk 1:3, 4, New International Version.
Though convinced of Jehovah’s righteousness, Habakkuk was distressed by the violence and injustice among his people. Also, at that time the Babylonians were on the rampage, terrorizing and despoiling other nations. It seemed that wickedness prevailed everywhere. The prophet Habakkuk wondered why God, who could see it, seemed to do nothing.—Habakkuk 1:13.
5 In a vision Jehovah assured Habakkuk that the seeming prosperity of the wicked was only temporary. God not only saw what was occurring, but also cared. He had an “appointed time” for meting out divine justice. Even if humans thought that this was delaying, Habakkuk was assured, “It will without fail come true. It will not be late.”—Habakkuk 2:3.
6 Further showing God’s care, he alerted Habakkuk to a challenge facing humans in the meantime. Jehovah said: “But as for the righteous one, by his faithfulness he will keep living.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Would Habakkuk meet the challenge, doing what was right and moral despite what those around him did? He needed to display faith that God would handle matters properly in his “appointed time.”
7 History tells us what happened. When the time arrived, God acted to end violence and injustice on the part of the Jews. The land was conquered and many of the people were taken captive. Later, God had an accounting with Babylon. As Jehovah foretold through his prophets, the Medes and the Persians under Cyrus defeated the seemingly all-powerful Babylonian Empire.—Jeremiah 51:11, 12; Isaiah 45:1; Daniel 5:22-31.
8 This small-scale illustration shows that our Creator does not close his eyes to wickedness. He is aware of it and he does care. (Compare Genesis 18:20, 21; 19:13.) That being so, why has God allowed wickedness to continue until now? To understand the Bible’s logical explanation, we need to go back to when human troubles began.
UNIVERSAL ISSUES ARISE
9 As recounted in Genesis chapter three, the Devil questioned Eve about her obeying God’s command not to eat from a specially designated tree. Eve answered that disobedience would bring the sentence of death. But Satan replied:
“You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.”—Genesis 3:1-5.
Satan here brought up challenges or issues that involved all of God’s creatures, men and angels.
10 For one thing the Devil challenged God’s honesty. Reflect on the implications of this. If God were not truthful in this matter, could he be trusted in anything else? Would his creatures on earth or in heaven always have to be suspicious about what God said? We know today how suspicious persons are of politicians who govern through the use of lies.—Compare Psalm 5:9.
11 Satan’s claim that God is deceitful and withholds things that are good for his creatures also raised the issue, Does God deserve to rule? The question of the rightfulness of God’s way of ruling involved all the universe.
12 Additionally, Satan was contending that humans can get along without God, that they can and should rule themselves. The question was put before men and angels, Can humans successfully govern their affairs independent of God?
13 Those serious moral issues demanded complete settlement. The way in which God chose to do that clearly shows his wisdom and his interest in our welfare, both now and in the future. God allowed time to pass, during which all intelligent creatures could see the evidence. To appreciate this, consider how you would act if someone publicly cla
References :
watchtower.org