.. where is god? Why isn't he stopping poverty, wars, illnesses? Is he's there and he has the power.. why just watch?

Have a look at this video on YouTube, it's quite interesting;
YouTube - Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip - Letter from God (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KnGNOiFll4)

If you can't get YouTube, the lyrics are here;
A Letter from God to Man | Grace - Fresh Vital Worship (http://www.freshworship.org/node/344)

.. where is god? why isnt he stopping poverty, wars, illnesses? is hes there and he has the power.. why just watch?

This world is not forever and what happens here only tests our faith and strength.
Everlasting is the Hereafter and that is what this world is preparing us for...

I don't buy that video at all. Firmbeliver has touched on part of it. The world will end some day. Every day is the end of the world for many. When their end comes, it will be a bad day for non believers and the unrepentant. False teachers will not do well.

The biggest thing is that God chose to give us free will. Just as Satan was free to rebel against God, so are all. When we ignore God, we sin in ways that hurt both ourselves and others. The more earthly power we have, the more we can hurt. Some believe and save themselves by repenting and accepting God's grace. Others will get what we all deserve.

There is no god, just bad people. Try to be one of the good people.

I think god might ask - why does MAN make war in the first place? And since MAN is responsible for making war, why doesn't MAN stop it?

Man cannot blame all of the world's ill's on GOD - man has to (and eventually will be forced to) take responsibility for what it does (and fails to do) - man has enough food to fill EVERY stomach on the planet and yet people still die of starvation - is THIS god's fault? Man the where-with-all to ensure EVERYONE on this planet has a warm bed, and a roof over their had, and yet we still have homeless people - is THIS god's fault? I could go on and on, but you get the idea - God has enough problems to deal with, without our creating more - why doesn't man deal with his issues, and let god deal with the rest - after all, we're here to serve god, not the other way around!

If God where to involve himself in everyday life than we wouldall know he existed and the world would be heaven, no suffering, no pain, no wars, etc. This lifemay very well be our "test" in which, if passed, we enter Heaven. Again, if God took allevil away there would be no point to this life.

Although I do believe God works in all our lives on a daily basis, just not in the same dramatic way some think he should. So the everyday life of human is touched everyday by God and so too world events.

God gives us humans a choice, and we either get blessed, or pay the consequenses of our actions.

There are no gods, or GodAlmighty... but, there sure are a lot of people speaking for "God" and making threats in "God's" name. Lol

First I am sad that there can be those who I will assume have been hurt enough to feel there is no God. No one can look upon our wonderful universe and really look and not see the wonders of God.
But God allowed and gave man free will, this world is not the home for Christians but we are told we are strangers here and we are merely passing though, to our real home. God has even told us that there will always be poor, hungry but we are to help those that need the help ( except that people that can work, should work) so merely helping peole that could work but don't is not actually bibicial.

But knowing God is having a peace in our body in spite of what is happening.

First I am sad that there can be those who I will assume have been hurt enough to feel there is no God. Never been hurt here. I've never abused anyone, never abused drugs or alcohol, been strong enough to not let others abuse me. Can you say the same?

But to not feel the need for god, there has to be an emptyness in life. No knowledge of life after death, only living for what this life brings, It would have to be such a sad life.

And I would say that you have some worry about abuse, it must be a serious issue in your life, are you scared that God abuses you by your love of him ?

And many people get invovled in drugs though the years, but it is often from that you find God and he can bring you out, no matter what your situation.

I think what you are doing here is called "projection (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection)".

Never been hurt here. I've never abused anyone, never abused drugs or alcohol, been strong enough to not let others abuse me. Can you say the same?


Hi NK,

I guess the bold statement above can have several meanings. But sometimes it's not the strength of a person that makes them vulnerable to abuse, it's the situation that they are in.
There are children, husbands, wives, who are abused, both physically and/or mentally and it does not mean that are not strong enough.

In truth NK, they are some of the strongest people and may be stronger then most, because they are enduring things that some could never make it through.

Sorry, I just had to pipe in and accept what I get in return.

.. where is god? why isnt he stopping poverty, wars, illnesses? is hes there and he has the power.. why just watch?
God is a lover of justice as brought out in Psa 37:28.

We are made in Gods image which means we have good qualities because HE has good qualities. LOVEYOUPEOPLE, it seems that you are very concerned about the conditions of this world, so surely God is too? I'm sure if you had the power you would put an end to all suffering and wars etc right? Well a study of HIS word will reveal that God can and will put a stop to these things PERMANENTLY.
2 Pet 3:9... God is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but that all attain to repentance. Imagine if he had wiped out all wickedness long long ago - you would not exist, as many others also.
Satan challenged God the very moment he deceived Eve, by saying in effect 'man does not need YOUR rulership'. So God is allowing man free reign to prove whether this is true. This does not make God responsible for the sad condition of today's world, any more than you would be responsible for your child to grow up and become a serial murderer despite you raising them with good morals and a stable, loving home.
2 Pet 3:13 "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."

.. where is god? why isnt he stopping poverty, wars, illnesses? is hes there and he has the power.. why just watch?
I find your question chlich'e;
Something an ignorant fifteen year old would ask.
I don't believe God ever intended the world to be perfect. In fact , without trial, disposition, war , and disorder, what good would the laws of the Bible be?
Sounds to me that you aren't very open minded at all.

In fact , without trial, disposition, war , and disorder, what good would the laws of the Bible be?

According to the Bible, God created a perfect world.

You've got your cart before the horse -- the laws were given because of "trial, disposition, war, and disorder".

God doesn't control humans

He only created us, and we're on our own from there.
He cannot "stop" anything that we do, because it is US that created it, and it is US that must stop it.

Heaven is on earth... only we make a hell out of it!
As long as we do not respect nature... we do not respect ourselves.

We play as being God... we should clean up our own !

I am 12 and don't fully understand the power of God. No one does. But I believe everything. God gave us choice whether to believe or not. I believe and here's some info I hope will help. When Adam and Eve had the bad fruit in the garden of eden they were then banished into a world of imperfection. The garden of eden was perfect. There was no pain. When they were banished they entered a world of pain and suffering and they had to work for things. We also have to do that. Nothing can be perfect now what's done is done. The fruit was eaten and now we all have to live in this imperfect world. It can be beautiful with help from EVERYONE. But we'll still have to work to achieve. Wars: there are wars because there are disagreements which resolve to violence in this world. God won't go back in time and remove the bad fruit tree. What's done is done. Illnesses: Again God won't go back in time. This world isn't perfect. It is full of germs and virus's it's a part f the worlds many imperfections. We do suffer from living in a world with pain. But that is all a part of not being able to live in the garden of eden. Poverty: We do have to work to achieve we won't just get offered money. Life is how it is and we have to deal with it.

God isn't "Just watching." All the people that get better from illnesses got better from the act of God. He loves us all whether we choose to believe or not. Although this world is imperfect. God is performing minor and major miracles everyday of our lives. We may just not see it.

Because God is omnipotent,we are more far from His understandings, everything that is happening is in God's plan and all we can do is to completely trust in Him. :)

That would contradict the bible, and the mentioning of free will. And we'd never learn much if there was some mystical force fixing everything for us, now would we?

Ancient Europeans wrote about Ages of Man.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_Man

There are also many other references to various
Types of world ages or Ages of Man in Hopi
(worlds), Mayan (suns) and other cultures of
Antiquity. Giorgio de Santillana, the former
Professor of the history of science, mentions
Approximately thirty ancient cultures that
Believed in the concept of a series of ages and
The rise and fall of history, with alternating
Dark and Golden Ages.

More details of these Ages are available in the
Yuga concept of the Hindus. The present age
Is known as Kali Yuga (age of darkness).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuga

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satya_Yuga

http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/iml/iml11.htm

http://www.crystallotus.com/Lemuria/04bbTheAges.htm

http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/AgesOfWorld.html

Wars are characteristic features of the present Iron Age (Kali Yuga).

Man is responsible for much of the sadness that goes on in this world, he has done it to himself... he will learn or pay the consequeces.

In the end man will destroy himself.

Man is also responsible for all the good in this world. Which do you choose - do good or cause sadness?

Man is also responsible for all the good in this world. Which do you choose - do good or cause sadness?


Hi Needkarma... I was actually answering the question direct... if gods great why doesn't he stop wars?
I should have used the quote.

Yes,man has done a lot of good things... but somehow,I think the fact that we make and manufacture weapons, and then sell them.. (.sometimes to our enemies.).. to kill, some times slaughter innocent people, then I think the bad begins to out weigh the good.


Just my opinion

Yes,man has done a lot of good things.......but somehow,i think the fact that we make and manufacture weapons, and then sell them..(.sometimes to our enemies.).. to kill, some times slaughter innocent people, then i think the bad begins to out weigh the good.I think that's more of an american issue than a mankind issue.

Maybe god doesn't see war the way we see war. He is all knowing and has a plan (so I've heard). Maybe there isn't a god? If there was no war, how would journalists and politicians earn a living?

Hello aain (:

Ever since I last posted my answer your question has sat at the back of my mind. Last week in God Stuff at school, we studie the story of Habakkuk. He was a man who had the same question as you do. He has a small book in the bible (Habakkuk) that I stongly suggest you read. It shows him asking God questions and God responding. Through out the book Habakkuks relationship with God grows. I really do suggest you as well study Habakkuk asit relates with your question :)

Bye =]

Heaven is where God is. There is no material concept of heaven
That can do it justice. Heaven is a spiritual condition, where one spiritual being is in
Touch with another spiritual being, and there is total communication and fellowship.
God"s government rests on love.The universe is based on reason, love, and justice.
If God chose to act arbitraily and exercise super force, there would be a danger that
He would have to rule by fear, rather than love. He wants people to love and
serve him voluntarily, not because they fear Him. He is carrying out a drama on earth
that is cosmic in nature, whereby men and woman, created in the image of God, freely choose to serve Him. God"s plan is to triumph love over hate. God lives in man who was
Made in His image. The time will come when He will assemble his body of people who love
Him and will prove beyond any doubt that His love is the most powerful force in the universe. With the trumph of God's love complete, He will deal with Satan.

Maggie 3

Because man has freewill and the evil ones that have seized power over the lambs make too much money from wars to stop them. Besides that, they also like to see people die. That's how bad they really are and that my friend, is why we must stop them.
I would stop them but I am afraid someone may get hurt. Like me.

If God where to involve himself in everyday life than we wouldall know he existed and the world would be heaven, no suffering, no pain, no wars, etc. This lifemay very well be our "test" in which, if passed, we enter Heaven. Again, if God took allevil away there would be no point to this life.

Although I do beleive God works in all our lives on a daily basis, just not in the same dramatic way some think he should. So the everyday life of human is touched everyday by God and so too world events.

Why would god put us here to pass or fail a test? Isn't that a set up. A CONDITIONAL love.
Would you condemn your child to eternal fire and damnation if he/she failed a test of allegance to you? That god doesn't sound very forgiving of human error to me:rolleyes:.

Heaven is where God is. There is no material concept of heaven
that can do it justice. Heaven is a spiritual condition, where one spiritual being is in
touch with another spiritual being, and there is total communication and fellowship.
God"s government rests on love.The universe is based on reason, love, and justice.
If God chose to act arbitraily and exercise super force, there would be a danger that
He would have to rule by fear, rather than love. He wants people to love and
serve him voluntarily, not because they fear Him. He is carrying out a drama on earth
that is cosmic in nature, whereby men and woman, created in the image of God, freely choose to serve Him. God"s plan is to triumph love over hate. God lives in man who was
made in His image. The time will come when He will assemble his body of people who love
Him and will prove beyond any doubt that His love is the most powerful force in the universe. With the trumph of God's love complete, He will deal with Satan.

Maggie 3

I thought god was everywhere. I was taught to love and fear god. You've heard the phrase, "good god fearing people." And why shouldn't we fear him, especially in the christian religion? It is put before us, Believe in this, that and the other and you will spend eternity with me. If you don't believe this, that and the other, you can spend eternity in hell. That sets up a fear based choice.

God is a lover of justice as brought out in Psa 37:28.

We are made in Gods image which means we have good qualities because HE has good qualities. LOVEYOUPEOPLE, it seems that you are very concerned about the conditions of this world, so surely God is too? I'm sure if you had the power you would put an end to all suffering and wars etc right? Well a study of HIS word will reveal that God can and will put a stop to these things PERMANENTLY.
2 Pet 3:9...God is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but that all attain to repentance. Imagine if he had wiped out all wickedness long long ago - you would not exist, as many others also.
Satan challenged God the very moment he deceived Eve, by saying in effect 'man does not need YOUR rulership'. So God is allowing man free reign to prove whether or not this is true. This does not make God responsible for the sad condition of todays world, any more than you would be responsible for your child to grow up and become a serial murderer despite you raising them with good morals and a stable, loving home.
2 Pet 3:13 "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."

He DID wipe out wickedness long ago. Ever hear of Noah's Ark? And here we are.

cozyk-
While I respect your point of view, your disagreements are out of line, and against the rules, as everyone can have their opinion.

Cozyk - Going around and giving reddies to people that don't share your beliefs is really inappropriate behaviour. Also, your eye rolls and simplistic comments to questions or comments in which it seems you know very little, are also unwarranted.

You want to get into a discussion about the point of life and God then so be it, I'll even entertain that one sided debate in a PM if you'd like. Not so much to hear what you have to say but rather to dispel the nonsense written above, by you, of course (I AM rolling my eyes):)

cozyk-
While I respect your point of view, your disagreements are out of line, and against the rules, as everyone can have their opinion.

I'm sorry, I really don't see why they are out of line. They are NOT my opinions or disagreements as much as they are my questions. My frustration is that no one has answered or addressed my questions. It is like people write these proclamations, but if someone questions a part of it, then they are stumped and I never get an answer. I TRUELEY would like to have responses to my questions. I'm sorry to sound difficult, I just REALLY want to know the answers.

What answers are you seeking?

I've read some of your comments on various threads, you don't seem to ask many questions rather give your own interpretation. Eye rolls and authoritative answers to posts are very insulting (mine were out of self defence and so I should be absolved from any wrong doing:))

Ask and you shall receive (wonder where I've heard that before?). Bang and stomp and you will get what you give.

What answers are you seeking?

I've read some of your comments on various threads, you don't seem to ask many questions rather give your own interpretation. Eye rolls and authoritative answers to posts are very insulting (mine were out of self defence and so I should be absolved from any wrong doing:))

Ask and you shall receive (wonder where I've heard that before?). Bang and stomp and you will get what you give.

Okay, answer this. Why does God allow natural disasters that cause innocent people to be killed or people suffer because someone they love is killed? Sorry about the eye rolling. Again, I'm frustrated because things that I point out are just ignored.

So, I guess we can see where organized religion has gotten us thus far.

As far as natural disasters go, I think its more man getting in the way of things that will happen anyway, than it is any divine intervention.

As for innocents that die by the hand of man, that's entirely a result of the actions of man, and for whatever reason, we pay the consequences of repeating our mistakes, because we haven't learned from them... yet.

As far as natural disasters go, I think its more man getting in the way of things that will happen anyway, than it is any divine intervention.

As for innocents that die by the hand of man, thats entirely a result of the actions of man, and for whatever reason, we pay the consequences of repeating our mistakes, because we haven't learned from them.................yet.


Well thank you tal. We are responsible for our own actions. We creat the different circumstances that lead to the different outcomes. So, let's blame GOD... let's blame anybody but ourselves!

Man getting in the way of natural disasters is something that could be corrected. Avoid all the agony they cause by not having them.
Man is not getting in their way by choice. It is random and good people are put through hell. I do believe in a "god". He resides in my essence. I do not believe that there is a being up here in the sky playing games with us. Like chess pieces. It seems to me that "faith" and "gods will" are the default answers for what doesn't make sense. I think I have always questioned things. I was around 5 or 6 yrs. Old when it dawned on me, there is no Santa Clause. This chimney story with flying reindeer, and getting to everyone's house in one night does not add up. To believe this stuff you got to be pretty gullible. So, please excuse my questions, but I keep digging until I get an answer that resonates as truth in my heart, soul, and mind.

Well thank you tal. We are responsible for our own actions. We creat the different circumstances that lead to the different outcomes. So, let's blame GOD...let's blame anybody but ourselves!

I believe that WE ARE responsible for a LARGE percentage of the bad things that happen to us. I am not above blaming myself or man kind in general. But, what is your answer for the disasters and agony that are NOT any mans fault. I still haven't gotten an answer for that but no one wants to admit that "the god" that christians believe in would cause harm to people that do not deserve it. Please convince me of the goodness of this god.

Your "war" seems to be directed a the Christian God my friend. Also, organized religion is not as blanketing as some portray it here. Let us just remove the labels of religion and focus on God, most here do believe in a God and none to my knowledge have disclosed what denomination they are from.

Why does God permit war, suffering, and hurt? Nobody can truly answer this because we can only know it in our hearts but not state it as fact. I do agree with the above interms of man inflicting this pain on man himself, however I did find something interesting I would like to bring up.

Many refer to people as good people, why do good people suffer, we are not the judge of these people nor those that appear to be bad people. My answer is we all suffer, yet we all experience joy. No human being, be it good or bad (hard to actually determine) is void of pain, nor of moments of love and happiness.

With that being said, if God stopped wars, stopped murders, stopped humans from doing bad things and only good was produced than what point to life would you suggest there is? Sounds as if God stopping these things would fit perfectly with your description of chess and organized religion. I cannot tell you the point of life, it is something man has considered for thousands of years. I can only say I believe it is to honor God through those you Love and even those you don't by your actions. If God controlled all my actions than even that would be controlled and we surely would be pieces on a chessboard.

Most troubles are caused by man, All humans are not perfect, judging those whom you yourself feel are good and don't deserve to suffer is not consistent with what God teaches us.

Finally, perhaps God does not stop evil with the hopes that we will (I'm sure I got that from somewhere:))

How can you expect an answer from man, about the ways of God??

If you want answers, then it can only come through a personal relationship, with the god that you understand.

We live in a world where two powers are at war, good and evil.
These powers are spiritual powers and are at work in us all the time. The good life is
The spirit that works for God is an abundant life of peace, love and joy. The
Power of evil is a satanic power that is here to kill,steal and destroy life as we know it here on earth. We all have these powers working in our mind to choose or reject.
We have good and evil thoughts that come into our minds all the time and it is up to us
To choose our own path good or evil. We feed our thoughts thinking on them,meditating
On them and believing in them. We are the one that choose good or evil. As long as
There is life, as it is now, there will be wars and rumors of wars. I believe God is
Testing us all the time to see what we choose good or evil. God made us in his image
And likeness and the evil one wants to destroy us. We purify our human hearts with
A Christ like heart and over come evil with good.

Maggie 3

Because God gives his people a free will to do good or bad we make our choices He does not control us.

There are no gods, or GodAlmighty.... but, there sure are a lot of people speaking for "God" and making threats in "God's" name. lol

First look at what jesus said in Mathew 24:6 "And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places."
Jesus explains hear that wars must happen before the end comes. So why would God stop something that must happen. Also when God created us he gave us the choice of following him or not following him. Many people don't believe god exists because maybe they prayed to god asking God to give him/her proof that God exists but he didn't. That doesn't mean he doesn't exist. The bible says do not test god. Many people that search for proof that God exists lack lots of faith and are only testing God. Also if you do want proof that God exists, type under Google People Getting gold teeth from god. Its real its happening, and its amazing. Check it out and or check out the movie the "Finger of God." It shows it happening and is really cool. Also if you have questions about God or religon check out www.clearblogs.com/biblequestiondude and he can answer any of your questions.

Because God gives his people a free will to do good or bad we make our choices He does not control us.

Still no one has an answer to natural disasters that cause pain and suffering to people that have done nothing to bring that on. And, think of The Titanic, all the people who died and the loved ones they left behind by no fault of their own. " Free will" carries an enormous amount of weight in our destinies, BUT it doesn't carry all the weight, all the time.

Does God cause this pain of innocent victims? I don't know...

In real life we know bad stuff can happen to good people.

Still no one has an answer to natural disasters that cause pain and suffering to people that have done nothing to bring that on. And, think of The Titanic, all the people who died and the loved ones they left behind by no fault of their own. " Free will" carries an enormous amount of weight in our destinies, BUT it doesn't carry all the weight, all the time.

Does God cause this pain of innocent victims? I don't know.........

To talaniman, in response to your disagreement,

I don't know the answer and I haven't heard one yet. You got one? One that holds water?

Still no one has an answer to natural disasters that cause pain and suffering to people that have done nothing to bring that on. And, think of The Titanic, all the people who died and the loved ones they left behind by no fault of their own. " Free will" carries an enormous amount of weight in our destinies, BUT it doesn't carry all the weight, all the time.

Does God cause this pain of innocent victims? I don't know.........

I don't know if it is right or not, but this is how I can make sense of these things, and I think that is partly what we as human beings strive to do... find ways that the unthinkable, the incomprehensible, can have some semblance of purpose... even if we don't like it or don't agree with it.

Natural disasters... we can understand how they come about and the destruction they can cause. When people die, due to the effects of natural disasters, we can understand that... it is pretty obvious to us how this can happen given the frailty of the human body.
They also allow us to show our compassion for each other, for perfect strangers, whose lives we normally would never have cause to consider and to put others before ourselves. They allow us to cause change to try and prevent some of the effects from being repeated in the future.

Examples of how good comes out of horrible tragedies:

Adam Walsh... little boy who was kidnapped and horribly murdered... his father, John Walsh, went on to start The Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as America's Most Wanted... among other programs. Would he have done these things, touched the lives of so many others, been instrumental in the capture of so many criminals and the return of so many children, protecting many others from experiencing the same thing that his family had to endure if that tragedy hadn't had happened?

Earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. have caused the development of better detection and warning systems, which in turn would save many more lives... would the money, effort, and energy have gone into their development and implementation other wise?

Premature babies, babies with birth defects who have died, and children who have suffered horrible illness... the start of The March of Dimes... which has focused on research, education, and measures to protect thousands of other babies who would have not made it if it had not been for those who didn't. Would Roosevelt have made those efforts if it hadn't been for his own experiences?

I have a little boy in my class whose brother has leukemia... because of the family having to deal with this, they have started a foundation that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide for the drive of obtaining bone marrow donors, and a clearinghouse for information and physician contacts for families recently diagnosed and in the ongoing midst of battleing this horrible disease. They have also gotten many celebrities onboard who have the means to help bring attention to the cause with both their finances and public personalities. Odds are, this would never have come about if it had not touched their family.

The reality is, most people do not become involved in the plight of others, whether natural or manmade, until it effects them, or a loved one, directly. The vast majority of programs, foundations, research, development, medicines, safety practices, etc. that are in place to help those in need would probably not be around today if it had not been for some people having to have gone through horrible experiences.

I don't know if it is right or not, but this is how I can make sense of these things, and I think that is partly what we as human beings strive to do....find ways that the unthinkable, the incomprehensible, can have some semblance of purpose....even if we don't like it or don't agree with it.

Natural disasters....we can understand how they come about and the destruction they can cause. When people die, due to the effects of natural disasters, we can understand that...it is pretty obvious to us how this can happen given the frailty of the human body.
They also allow us to show our compassion for each other, for perfect strangers, whose lives we normally would never have cause to consider and to put others before ourselves. They allow us to cause change to try and prevent some of the effects from being repeated in the future.

Examples of how good comes out of horrible tragedies:

Adam Walsh....little boy who was kidnapped and horribly murdered...his father, John Walsh, went on to start The Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as America's Most Wanted...among other programs. Would he have done these things, touched the lives of so many others, been instrumental in the capture of so many criminals and the return of so many children, protecting many others from experiencing the same thing that his family had to endure if that tragedy hadn't had happened?

Earthquakes, tsunamis, etc., have caused the development of better detection and warning systems, which in turn would save many more lives...would the the money, effort, and energy have gone into their development and implementation other wise?

Premature babies, babies with birth defects who have died, and children who have suffered horrible illness.....the start of The March of Dimes....which has focused on research, education, and measures to protect thousands of other babies who would have not made it if it had not been for those who didn't. Would Roosevelt have made those efforts if it hadn't been for his own experiences?

I have a little boy in my class whose brother has leukemia...because of the family having to deal with this, they have started a foundation that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide for the drive of obtaining bone marrow donors, and a clearinghouse for information and physician contacts for families recently diagnosed and in the ongoing midst of battleing this horrible disease. They have also gotten many celebrities onboard who have the means to help bring attention to the cause with both their finances and public personalities. Odds are, this would never have come about if it had not touched their family.

The reality is, most people do not become involved in the plight of others, whether natural or manmade, until it effects them, or a loved one, directly. The vast majority of programs, foundations, research, development, medicines, safety practices, etc., that are in place to help those in need would probably not be around today if it had not been for some people having to have gone through horrible experiences.

Thank you Doula. THIS, I can make some sense of. It is pretty much how I have tried to put into perspective the unthinkable. You have to come up with some reasoning to make it bearable. About 5 years ago, a family of 4 was driving down a road her in Atlanta. All at once a huge tree fell onto the car and killed everyone in the family except the father. The cause was something like shallow root growth due to a drought, followed by a heavy thunder storm. No human played a part in that event and I would love to ask God, why??

About 10 years ago, a family of 4 went to Disney World. The little boy, age 7 stepped off the curb and into the traffic. His mom and dads reflex was to jump out and get him. Well, mom, dad, and little boy were killed, while on vacation. The 10 yr old daughter was the only survivor. We went to church with this family and had our daughters, and then our sons at the same time and we used to get together with our kids. The woman driving the car was not speeding or doing anything wrong but don't you know she lives with this tragedy everyday. All I can say is, God bless all these people that are burdened with this hell on earth. Seven yr. old boys are not suppose to die at Disney World. That boy would be 18 yrs old today, just like my son, sitting across the room from me right now.

Some people say, there but for the grace of God go I. This is a terrible thing to say because it implies that the victims did not receive Gods grace.:confused::(

>>>>>Some people say, there but for the grace of God go I. This is a terrible thing to say because it implies that the victims did not receive Gods grace.

And yet, some would feel othewise... that they did receive God's grace as they were called home. All depends on what you believe and how you look at it.

Who knows what that woman is doing now. She may have gone onto organize a driver awareness program, maybe she spoke at schools about safe driving, maybe she is involved in an organization that helps disadvantaged or abused children, maybe she works with a program like the Make A Wish foundation so that she can feel she is giving something back. Maybe she did none of those types of things, but is more aware of the precious gift she has in her own children and doesn't let a day go by that she isn't giving thanks for what she has as she reminds others she knows to do the same thing.

We often don't know how a tragedy will effect our lives... maybe within a year, maybe not for 15 years, but I think it will. I don't think we can avoid it. I think allowing it to effect us is part of what helps us to heal.

To talaniman, in response to your disagreement,

I don't know the answer and I haven't heard one yet. You got one? One that holds water?
Don't know if it holds water, but its safe to say man has no control over the things that happens, or what happens to him. But it is within our control how we deal with it, and thats our choice. Now you can disagree, and see it whatever way you want, that's your choice, but for me, accepting the fact that stuff happens, and coping with it is the way I live. It holds water for me, if not for you.

That's my choice also.:) My cup is usually half full, but sometimes it runs over.

Don't know if it holds water, but its safe to say man has no control over the things that happens, or what happens to him. But it is within our control how we deal with it, and thats our choice. Now you can disagree, and see it whatever way you want, thats your choice, but for me, accepting the fact that stuff happens, and coping with it is the way I live. It holds water for me, if not for you.

Thats my choice also.:) My cup is usually half full, but sometimes it runs over.

I've always believed just what you said. That is the only power we have sometime. To make a decision how we will handle certain events. I don't think we will ever know the answer to the original posters question. Like so many things, we just do the best we can with what we are dealt.

This is what I believe, There are two super-natural powers that
Are at work in our world, good and evil. The evil power delghts in hurting man
Causing him suffering, pain, anguish and death. The power of good is here to bring
Peace, harmony, love, happiness and abundant life of good. It is up to us to try
And understand what choices are best for us. That is what our life is made up with
Right and wrong choices,and what we believe in. There is a great deal of evil in the hearts of man, we hurt one another, war, crime, injustice, racism, and all kinds of pain and heartbreak. There is some of this in all of us. We can over come evil with good, change
Our evil ways of thinking when it comes into our thinking, [and it does to all of us ]
To good things. What good can I bring into some ones life, that what starts a change in our hearts that feels the good and evil that is in this world. We have the power in our mind to change things and make things better just like some of the things that have
Been said here. We do not need to wait until something bad happens to us before
Doing something good that will help other. The more I do for others the better I
Feel and want to keep doing. Evil will come in and try to stop you but do not give
In to it. Evil is here to stay in this world but we can over come evil with good. We
All pay a price to live in this world of good and evil. I believe in heaven
Where good reigns and there is no more evil. We are all making history with the life
We choose to live.

Maggie

I am not sure how to answer that but just to participate and give my opinion on it I think God is everywhere. God does have the power to stop all bad things from happening but giving his son to us for our salvation, us being born sinners, in a sinful world we enter here on earth to have choice. To have free will. To sin and repent. Life is composed of multitudes of tests and trials of man... it is how we surpass and grow above the hardships while maintaining our self righteousness and being accepting. Though many times we ask the Lord why and this is normal of humanity to ask... he will not interfere with man or the earth and I believe Noah's covenant is an example... his promise. Therefore, we are born to teach each other and to grow from each other... be thankful for what you have and help others in time of need. Maybe the people taken from us and crisis's all around the world is apart of serving life purpose... trust in God.

I do agree with DoglaLC's posts on this too.

God Does Not Cause Evil! There are two major evil forces that
Cause evil. The force of satan is one, he is the enemy of mankind, so he seeks to destroy
God and men and woman, who is made in the image of God. Most of our trouble in this
World is the result of this evil satan causes. The evil in the Human Heart is the second
One. Because of the evil in mans hearts , they hurt one another, and we have wars.
Because of evil in the hearts of man we have wars, crime, injustice, racism, and all kinds of pain and heartbreak. Evil has a tendency to multply itself because of our nature.
If God did not give man the chance to be evil, there would be no freedom. God gave man
Freedom to choose between good and evil since He created the first man Adam.
The fall of Adam brought pain and suffering into the world, read Genesis 3.
We humans are linked together in wisdom and blessings of those that lived before us,
But we also receive an inheritance from their curses and evil. The good news is
We can overcome evil, through Jesus Christ the Son of God. I hop ethis helps you understand a little better, reading and studying the bible will answser your questions.
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened
to you. For everyone who asks receives, and who seeks finds, and to him who knocks
it wii be opened." MATTHEW 7:7-8 GET AN EASY READING BIBLE YOU WILL BE ABLE
TO UNDERSTAND IT BEST. If you want to know the truth about life you will read and
Study Gods word, the bible.


Maggie 3

Maggie3 - I understand your reasoning and why you made those arguments but if I were to play devil's advocate for a second, it sounds as if God is completely handcuffed by human decision and by Satan... it doesn't sound like an all powerful God if all of these things are happening in the world and he has to just stand by and watch them because he does not want to interfere with the will of creatures.

I want to try to answer the original post but I also wanted to try and challenge your points by offering this:

Maggie, do you ever pray for God's protection from evil? In other words, suppose you were to go someplace dangerous, like Iraq or Syria, would you pray for God's protection? Would you trust that God would protect you?

If he will always honor our free-will choices and the choices of others, they praying and asking God for protection would be pointless because if someone wanted to kill you because you were a Christian (for example), God isn't going to stop him. This is the logical outcome of your point I believe.

What do you think?

Like a good parent God wants you to solve your own problems. He can guide you, but he cannot live for you. That's up to you.

No Jakester, God is not evil, He gives life.God does answer my
Payers I have faith in Him and a intimate rellationship. He does not answer prayers
For people who do evil.
Maggie 3

If there is a god, he is far different than the one described in the bible. And who knows about that jesus guy, kind of shady

If there is a god...

You'll never know until you have a personal relationship with the God that you understand.

There's a quote that I really like..

"if people trash God, why do they get so surprised when this world is so bad?"

We all sin, God gave us free will and the choice whether we want too or not. Hitler chose to kill all the people he did. Not God. God is there working with each of us individually but because he gave us choice.. if we chose not to listen and not to follow what he stands for (love) then how can we blame Him?
I believe God tries very hard and wants us all to work as one body but most of the world chooses not too accept God, therefore they're letting in all the bad things in the world.

That's just my thoughts..
Hope this helps..
:)

... but most of the world chooses not too accept God, therefore they're letting in all the bad things in the world..Your logic falls flat because even people who have accepted God do bad things. Being a christian does not automatically make you a better person.

No Jakester, God is not evil, He gives life.God does answer my
payers I have faith in Him and a intimate rellationship. He does not answer prayers
for people who do evil.
Maggie 3

Maggie - I didn't say he was evil... I don't think you understood my point. Could you just refer back to my earlier post and think about what I am asking? I do think it is an important biblical question.

Sincerely.

Yes I pray for protection everyday because I am a child of God. God is not the God
Of the wicked. God does not answer or honor the prayers 0f a person who is not a child of God. The bible is for God's children , if you don.t have the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you understanding,the bible will not be a benefit to you. None of His promises are for the evil ones, or unbelievers. God is not of evil or has any part in evilness. God is good to those who choose to follow Him . We live in a world of good and evil, God has to give satan permission before he can cause any adversity or suffering in the life of a believer. God in the 91 Psalm tells us that we should pray for protection and a covering over us from the Lord. I stand on Paul's word in 2 Cor 5:7, I walk by faith not by sight.
God said and I believe. " God causes all things to work for good to those who love God and to those who are callled according to His purpose." Rom 8:28.

On this side of heaven we will never understand how all things can work together for good for God's children--certainly, not all things in themselves are good---but God knows how He will do it. And in Him we trust. Again, I walk by faith and not by sight or feelings.
Children of God should be walking in faith, [trusting and obeying God] and remembering God is in control.

MAGGIE 3

God is in control.

Of what?

God is in control of everything and is in everything. He even made satan. Satan can only do what God allows. Read the book of Job in old testsment. It tells how satan had to have God's permission to make Job suffer. But when you are not a child of God you are on your own.

MAGGIE 3

God is in control of everything and is in everything. He even made satan. satan can only do what God allows. Read the book of Job in old testsment. It tells how satan had to have God's permission to make Job suffer. But when you are not a child of God you are on your own.

MAGGIE 3

If God is in control of everything, then there's no free will, and hence no sin.

If Satan needs God's permission, then that means God said the Holocaust was okay. It means God says it's okay for the innocent to suffer and die horribly. It means...

You see where I'm going with this.

If God is in control of *everything*, then God is responsible for the evil that is done. So maybe you don't want to say that he is in control of *everything*. God can still be omnipotent without exercising his omnipotence always and everywhere.

If God Existed. Then could someone explain to me why he made this world?? Some kinds joke.We are supposedly here so we can do right. Find the right religion? Seems to me that we are in a big reality show with God watching it.

God is a concept created by humans to describe and attributable to un explained phenomenon
If there's some god we won't have a clue how he or she works?

We are mere reflections of him/her as one sees the image of sun in mirror and reflects the brilliance but never will produce the heat that's generated by the sun!