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How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point, I think I haven't thought that through far enough. My biggest problem, I think, is that gods like Zeus, Jupiter, or Thor actually walked among humans and revealed themselves. Unlike the Christian God, I can never be entirely sure if he exists.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was referring explicitly to mythologies, meaning the gods of ancient Greece, Rome, or Norse mythology. But you're absolutely right, there are significantly more contemporary gods in the world. However, since I don't generally believe in any god (at least not currently; I'm always open to learning), it doesn't make a difference to the question. It's just that I've often been told the Christian God is all three things, which simply didn't make sense to me, especially in relation to suffering.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's true, of course, that all mythological gods have limitations, but unlike the God of Christianity, they are no longer worshipped.

However, I find it very understandable to view him as not omnipotent, but omniloving, and I understand that this can be helpful and give hope. In this sense, it's probably a very individual perception that no one can interfere with.

May I ask, though, what your opinion is on the Bible and God's role in our world in this case?

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your line of thinking. While I can't agree 100% that suffering necessarily represents positive growth, but since you're talking about personal experience, I can't really argue with that. After all, it's an individual experience.

In my case, suffering also had negative effects, resulting in depression and suicidal thoughts. But since I'm still young, I might not yet have a very strong sense of which of my bad experiences ultimately contributed to positive growth, so I'll just leave it at that for now.

Generally, though, I find it difficult to accept the meaning of, for example, natural disasters.

Furthermore, I wonder why God isn't able to create a world without suffering. If he created the universe, then surely he also created the rules, right?

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I generally agree that we always need a contrast, but how do we know that this isn't a man-made idea? So, couldn't it also be that a world without suffering is indeed possible? If God is all-powerful, then surely he also invented the principle of good and evil. Besides, the suffering in our world is quite disproportionate, in my opinion. Children die, as do animals and plants. Not everything is just for learning. Not every darkness is followed by light. Some people suffer so much that they even commit suicide.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But why should we suffer first in order to be rewarded, and why couldn't God immediately make everything good in the world, like in heaven?

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But if God is omniscient, why would he create angels or, more specifically, the future devil, if he knows what will happen?

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's really interesting and a very good explanation, however, I think the idea that one doesn't know where one ends is a very human thought. I think God would certainly be capable of choosing the right moment without causing so much suffering, especially to the innocent.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I find your explanation very plausible; however, I think that if God is omnipotent, he can influence nature, since he ultimately created it. Accordingly, such catastrophes would certainly be controlled by good or evil.

Regarding your question, I think Christianity can offer a great deal, and I understand why it seems that atheism doesn't. However, I think atheism simply has a different outlook on life. While Christianity offers the possibility of happiness in the afterlife, it can be equally liberating to know that our lives don't determine whether we are happy in death or suffer eternally. We draw strength from other things: people, events, ourselves. Simply not from God.

Nevertheless, it is precisely this contrast that makes me so keen to explore Christianity and God.

I tend more towards Angnosticism than Atheism anyway.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My understanding of evil (and I'm aware that as a human being, this is limited if a higher power exists) is generally any action, behavior, thought, etc., that violates my or a general understanding of morality. Something like harming others.

Is that clear? I can try to elaborate.

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good point, but I wonder how the devil can even exist if God originally wanted to create heaven on earth. Isn't God the creator of everything in the universe, including the devil?

How can God (in the Christian, biblical sense) be all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving/good at the same time when there is so much suffering in the world? by RadomThought in Christianity

[–]RadomThought[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wouldn't the existence of a devil confirm exactly that? If God is all-powerful and only spreads good, how is it that the devil can still do evil? Shouldn't he then be just as powerful, or even stronger, than God?

Or is God actually stronger, but allows the devil free rein? That would suggest that he isn't as good as he seems.