Well as many of you know I am an agnostic person and being a convent educated surely like my friends even I have tried to understand christianity too!!! I was bit optimistic since chirstinaity is widely followed all over the world!!! But in the end it also confused me like other religions.I dont consider Hinduism any more a religion,I take it as way to live our life.My following writing are something which I have read it here and there and thought of it in bits and pieces and also I dont intend to offend anyone yet want to share my thoughts and philosophy with you all.
As you all know many 'westerners', possibly a majority of them, believe in certain form of Chirstianity. They depend, of course, on their God's infinte benevolence for eternal solution. They also rely on its infinte power so that the pray for happiness and they aslo count on its infinite knowledge to show them the way. Of course, many thiests and atheist are still waiting for the logical proof of this God's existence(one that can actually survive an argument), nonetheless, even if its existence were proven, Christian thoelogians would still have problems such as the Problem of evil. Before delving into explanations of this problem, it must be understood that this is mainly a Christian problem, Judaism does have somewhat of a similar problem but with a stronger solution.
Indeed, the Christian God is omnipotent, omniscient and infinitely benevolent(all at once); thus who can be reponsible for Evil? How is it not stopped before it can even strike? Does God (the Christian one) allow it to happen? These questions are respesctively answered as such: since God is all powerful. He could instantly override any evildoer, human or superhuman; since He is all-knowing, He couls know beforehand(or at least at the same time) of any Evil happening and could stop it before (or while) it starts; since He is all good, He would immediately want to correct any mishappening before it takes place, or as it gets ready to do so.
There remains but one objection; why does Evil still take place? Indeed it would be understandble if God was not quite powerful enough to right certain wrongs although He had both the knowledge and the intention to do so. Likewise, If He had infinite power and kindness, but His knowledge were restricted, this problem wouldn't be. It would be the same if He were all powerful and all knowing, but not all good. Nonetheless He is said to have all of there attributes. Judaism has managed to avoid this problem by making it understood that their God, at times, may be lacking in one of this attributes. Christian theologians have made many frivolous atempts to solve this porblem, it may be useful to sample some major ones in order to understand what the Problem of Evil entails. The most immediate answer would be that Satan did it; this cannot be:God, by definition, outwits him and overpowers him. It has also been argued that God allows evil to happen during our 'finite' life since our "infinite" life will be infinitely blissful, this would to severely question God's benevolence, or intelligence (even we can conceive of something better). Some think that justice is being done, which does not explain why a pregnant women, her eight month old foetus and her newborn child would die in car accident;surely the mother could have deserved it but not the children (transmigration may play a role, but I sincerely doubt that it applies to any form of Christianity). Others agrue that God ensures that the world is always the best of all possible ones, I could probably, relatively effortlessly conceive of one where rapist do not exist(for example).
The Problem of Evil is also related to issue of "free-will". Indeed,if the girl was born without a nose, therefore she cannot be 'paying' for a past wrongdoing and if she is 'paying' for her father's sin, God's justice isn't even as good as the present legal system; this is causing her so much grief that she is seriously considering suicide: does she have "free-will"? Let us consider this woman holding two babies in her arms of offered to lift one of three boxes, in which a million-dollar bail bond is set, let us also suppose that without notifying her, the remaining boxes are filled with enough dynamite to destroy the city she is in; her "free-will" is now non-existant, for she would never accept the offer if she know what the conditions are.Many believe that evil originated with Adam's eating the apple was knowlegde, meaning that he didn't have the any knowledge, particularly not of the difference between right and wrong, before the original sin. One could easily argue that Adam had no idea of what he was doing and that God is quite an avid punisher.
11 comments:
Hi this is x,is what I would like to introduce my self , went through the blogs , is interesting and thought provoking .Though I would like to share some thoughts here where god is kinda blamed for the wicked things happening around us. “The Christian God is omnipotent, omniscient and infinitely benevolent (all at once)”, by the way god never claimed that he is omnipotent. If u can refer (isaiah66:1) clearly answers this, again if u have a copy of the complete bible (both the Hebrew Scriptures and Greek scriptures).Actually there are lot of reasons for the happenings of the bad things , two reasons that I would like to quote for this is firstly mankind has deviated from god, which means mankind in general has disobeyed god and they are walking in their own way and we all very well know how true these words of the bible are that “To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step “Jeremiah (10.23) the second reason is Satan the devil who is deviating people away.
The interesting point is Satan is the ruler of this world that is why we see there is so much of crime violence and all kinds of wicked things happening around us and people suffering at large extent. If u takes any holy book most of them agree to the fact that we are living in last days. Our creator whom we worship as almighty god has promised that he will soon bring an end to all these wicked system and transform this entire earth into a beautiful paradise that Adam and eve lost (Revelation21:3-5). That’s why he has made this provision of sending his only begotten son as a ransom sacrifice for all of us. For those who believe in him might attain everlasting life.
There is lot of things that we can talk and talk about this as the topic is too vast
I Guess u might have lot of questions with regard to what I have posted after reading Ur interesting blog, well I am here not to offend anyone .just wanted to share the truth, this is not the end well there is lots more involved .I can assure one thing cent percent is, life’s most disturbing questions are answered in the bible. If u haven’t read one please do .Any question you would like to ask me u are most welcome.
Nice post!! I always wondered why man has a natural tendency to drift towards evil and committing sins. But many a times I wonder that why are the sins really defined as sins and who defined them, and why do we have this inherent notion of right nad wrong. Aren't those somethings imbibed by us from the society or upbringing. Especially after moving into a new society where the definition of sins are much different from the Indian society I often have thought about such issue before commiting the SINS:) of indian society but a part of regular people here.
Hi
Well would like to take this as a question that needs to be answered "I wonder that why are the sins really defined as sins and who defined them, and why do we have this inherent notion of right nad wrong", Well our parents adam & eve were created perfect , again as imperfect human beings we can barely imagine what perfection would be , but still when they were perfect enough and njoying their life in that beautiful garden of eden ,the first sin committed was eating that forbidden fruit - by jus eating the fruit they showed they were disobedient , selfish and not loyal and did not trust god in his promises ,They were tempted to committ a act like this by satan the devil father of lie and all evils .
As a generation of theirs we all are imperfect - sinners , inborn were in we have inclination to sin . A sin is estrangement from god , when we dont follow what god has formulated for our good are all sin . For example when we take adultery - as we should be knowing its gross sin against god , Back in olden days death was the punishment for this sin - again from human prospective none of us would be like to be cheated by our spouse and as we shd be knowing the definition of adultery as :-adultery is infidelity as well as unfaithfulness or in colloquial speech, cheating. By extension, adultery may also apply to any other sexual activities committed outside the marriage.
Anyways this is jus one example - there are N no of them like these.
Now coming to the point the acts that are considered sin here in india are not in states, there they might be considered as very casual and common .These are mans definition of sins and wrong doings accoring to his own conveinience . But we have something to follow rigid no matter in which part of the world we are in , no matter which society we are in .that way in which we walk ,which god has formulated we will be happy not jus now in this life , life everafter
Ok two question to anonymous,first
don't you think it all depends upon the faith we have in certain things like u have in god and I for time being have in my instinct. On the first instant I wonder what the hell that apple was doing there when everything was so perfectly created by god. Second why not god kills satan by himself/herself and give us a reason to worship him/her.Dont you think its all the question of faith and basically religion is model created by our ancestor to live good and healthy life.this all question sounds very stupid but these are tough question to answer,At last no offence to anyone my mind thinks like these only.
and last personal question whose god do you think is more powerful christianity, islam, hinduism. rest all i think is derivation of above three more or less? And do you think god created universe?
Welll the answer for the question why god created that apple is good one - As we all know god created everything so perfect and also the humans so perfect- with complete and perfect health and mental thinking capabilities, God also gave them the free will of serving him and free will to do right or wrong, As perfect couple who had very good relationship with god directly they were doing good things in gods eyes.
All god expected was just a simple obedience is why that tree was created - I really don’t think so this would be satisfactory answer for u.
But from the prospective of God as the creator of this universe and as the life giver he has every reason to claim exclusive devotion and obedience. So it was their mark of respect and obedience to abstain from eating that forbidden fruit.
Well the i guess we shd be knowing the origin of Satan - Satan lied to Adam and eve stating that if they have to eat the fruit they will become like god .Our first parents fell for it .Now if god had destroyed Satan then itself - it would have proved god to be liar and then Satan to the one telling the truth and God is waiting to vindicate his sovereignty - If u can check the bible character jobs experience u will know the Satan had challenged god and that each and every one of us as individuals are answerable and are involved in this .
By the way I would not be writing the record of job here – but if u personally read it u will understand
But one good news is that Satan will be completely destroyed on gods appointed time (don’t ask when) no one is aware of that day but its soon to come.
And the last question being a personal question “whose god do you think is more powerful Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Rest all i think is derivation of above three more or less? And do you think god created universe?” Well whose god? By the way so called religions are man made, there are n no of religions in the world – its up to each one of us to find the true way in which to walk with and only god whom we should worship .The idea that all gods are one is unacceptable,cos we just have one creator who has created all of us and he has a unique name that he wants us to be identified and ideally there are lot of identifying marks which will identify that it is a true religion and that’s the right way and this is the only one acceptable to god ,Not all religions are acceptable to god
well everything agreed or atleast I dont want to argue anymore since we both know/knew there is no end to it. But why I asked about who created universe is 'coz if God created universe fine with me but why then he created satan or evil, dont tell 'coz good and bad are two side of same coin so satan as to exists to makes us feel the presence of god. And if you say adam ate apple 'coz god has given free will to human beings then why he was seeking obedience from us meaning why he punished us 'coz god should forgive us.Isnt it bit selfish on God's part too.Point is why should anyone obey to anyone if both of them has got free will and free way to live life!
If walk into god(the bible one) shoes all i can say is "hey look people i created you all so be thankful to me and pray me otherwise u know" and I will ask question to god why the hell u created me,is it some kinda fun game for you since you were getting bored alone.
well I am mocking god here ok and I dont mean to offend anyone too but still waiting from god to speak to me.
Again here we are not having an argument - but instead exchanging our thoughts. Regarding satan god did not create him, if u see the meaning of satan and devil is almost the same - the great adversary of God or slanderer.God created milions and zillions of angels who were ideally called as sons of god .....one among them had this urge or a desire that croped up which made him to lie against god .if u can refer this verse in bible (james1:14,15)"Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire then the desire when it has become fertile gives birth to sin and in turn sin, when it has been accomplished brings forth death". So u seee how this angel (son of god ) became the satan the devil.
But god did make provision of restoring this paradise back to us and the life that our first parent lost - should we not be thankful for the same
"why should anyone obey to anyone if both of them has got free will and free way to live life!" WELL as long as they obeyed they were happy and safe in his care, once they disobeyed they reaped the consequences.
well god did tell them when he commanded to abstain from that fruit - he said the day u eat u will die. when they overlooked and disobeyed ultimatly death was infront of them . Wages of sin is death
For eg as a parent will u let ur kid in his own way - not expecting him to respect or obey u , as a parent u know very well what is good and what is bad for ur child .again as a child u shd be having that great relationship with ur parents that bond and that respect and that obedience and we very well know that its all for our goood
Then how much more this creator of universe would expect .
Again if u read the laws that was given to the ancient israelites - those 600 laws were all for our goood in every way .
again he did not create all these because he was getting bored, ideally he created all these wonderful things that no man can explore fully is for us to be happy and njoy life with.
well take any part of ur life the government , the physical laws the nature ..... we are obeyeing all these for our own good
will we jump from a 10 storeyed bldg- no we will not untill we wanna committ suicide cos we are obeying the law of gravitation and u know as to wat the consequence will be
For the sin that our first parents committed and the cosequences they had to face for it ....how can we blame god
well if we have to question god why the hell u created me instead of being thankful for the same - i dont think so we will be in any way satisfied with any kind of information about god himself .
cool so ultimately i can say that all these evils deeds and bad things happening to this world is 'coz of that apple if i believe in bible words..so adam and eve made a mistake and whole world is suffering. good going!!!! now u know why i asked so many question 'coz the people who believe in bible thinks sin came into their blood from birth itself 'coz adam and eve thousands year back made a mistake. And I wont believe since bible(as a matter of fact any religious book) is jus a theory with some facts and some conception! so my advice is dont start thinking that sin is in your blood 'coz of that apple jus live a happy life help others and make others smile!!!
We are the generation that originated from our first parents, so we have to suffer for the sin that they committed but again this not forever cos god has wonderful provisions for all the righteous hearted ones who approach him wholeheartedly.
Well can we say that we are perfect …… why do we do mistakes and regret and why there is so much of lawlessness and wicked ness around us cos are we all perfect? There are life’s most disturbing questions which people have unanswered why? People are still in search of the truth and that true contentment in life why? What is the purpose of our life? If we were perfect enough we would have not been suffering like this? By the way why do we grow old and die? I don’t think so scientists have proper and satisfactory answers for the same. If we were perfect enough then why all this
Bible is word of god – it’s inspired by god’s Holy Spirit even though it was written by different men at different time periods …..the entire bible from the book of genesis to revelation blends with jus a single theme and its jus one , there are so many ways bible can be proved the word of god historically , scientifically and its very accurate and precise and the prophecies were all accurately fulfilled the authenticity of this book is something no one can ever question about and the way this book has been widely circulated more than any other book in the world … we should be knowing the kind of testing times that this book survived wherein at some point of time whoever owned this book were burned alive – It has survived this .
By the way we all need to be humble enough to accept the fact that we are sinners and we all are imperfect and trying our best with the help of our almighty to lead a life which pleases him.
I am not sure if it exists or not, but I don't see any option other than believing in Theory of Karma. Our freedom is limited by environment and circumstances. Inspite of that we have been given some degree of "free will" and that makes all the difference. Even if one is mentally retarded and lacks free will, it has been caused by 'Law of Karma' that 'free will' perpetuates. Therefore all religions essentially teach "Use v/s Abuse of freedom". Rest of the masala has been added by us, the people.
Hi Rajesh, I suggest that you read the book 'Conversations with God (Parts 1-3)'. It brings up exactly the questions you have discussed. Btw, are you from the 2003 batch of IITM?
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