Zone1 Why does a good God allow evil?

[Votto]

This is not a bad argument, but it's basically calling evil a God-vacuum. While that seems adequate, the Bible describes evil differently, akin to God separating the light and dark in Genesis.

But again, darkness does not really exist, only light exists.

So, when you measure "darkness", you are really only measuring the lack of light in a given area.

Is it then any wonder that evil is referred to as "darkness"?

 

[Meriweather]

This is not a bad argument, but it's basically calling evil a God-vacuum. While that seems adequate, the Bible describes evil differently, akin to God separating the light and dark in Genesis.

Perhaps look at evil as a good-vacuum, where when touched by God, good begins to come from it. Just as darkness cannot exist in light, nor can evil exist in goodness. God brings light, God brings goodness.

 

[SweetSue92]

Perhaps look at evil as a good-vacuum, where when touched by God, good begins to come from it. Just as darkness cannot exist in light, nor can evil exist in goodness. God brings light, God brings goodness.

He does, but He will tolerate evil so that good can come of it.

Like this: when you discipline a two year old, they believe the discipline is "evil"--because it feels bad. But good parents use that evil for good.

God saw all of it, even saw the evil, and said: "it is worth it". I trust Him.

 

[BreezeWood]

I never said there was evil in heaven... and of course there is a day of judgement for us all....

without evil in the world no one would need God or prayer or hope and faith...

who are you kidding - is that your way to blackmail people into becoming 4th century christians, the desert religions.

not for all -

the need is to stop the pendulum from swinging in both directions as jesus taught to stop sinning, to sin no more - if that is not what the individual can accomplish there will not be a judgement for them to enter the everlasting - judgement is for which direction the pendulum was stopped from swinging.

"I am (this is) the way and the truth and the life No one comes to the Father except through me. to everlasting.

the way is shown only the individual can accomplish the goal ... what jesus taught - not the lies of the crucifiers, the christian bible.

 

[BreezeWood]

But again, darkness (evil) does not really exist, only light exists.

wishful, lack of understanding, response - evil when set for whatever reason is a cancer that grows to consume ... in votto do some trust.

ex: the ten commandments - used surreptitiously to persecute and victimize the innocent. all three desert religions.

 

[Ace Nova]

who are you kidding - is that your way to blackmail people into becoming 4th century christians, the desert religions.

not for all -

the need is to stop the pendulum from swinging in both directions as jesus taught to stop sinning, to sin no more - if that is not what the individual can accomplish there will not be a judgement for them to enter the everlasting - judgement is for which direction the pendulum was stopped from swinging.



the way is shown only the individual can accomplish the goal ... what jesus taught - not the lies of the crucifiers, the christian bible.

What is sin, in your opinion? How can one "stop sinning" without knowing what sin is?

 

[Votto]

wishful, lack of understanding, response - evil when set for whatever reason is a cancer that grows to consume ... in votto do some trust.

ex: the ten commandments - used surreptitiously to persecute and victimize the innocent. all three desert religions.

Just like a black hole tries to suck in every piece of matter and light it can to destroy it, yes.

 

[Paleman]

Just like a black hole tries to suck in every piece of matter and light it can to destroy it, yes.

Consider this perspective. During the 40s and 50s, when challenging the actions of our so-called Catholic god, we were told to just shut up because we were too dumb to think on his level. If that is true, it may be very well possible that we have it all backwards. The gods you worship think Good is evil while evil is good. Can you prove anything different?

 

[ding]

Consider this perspective. During the 40s and 50s, when challenging the actions of our so-called Catholic god, we were told to just shut up because we were too dumb to think on his level. If that is true, it may be very well possible that we have it all backwards. The gods you worship think Good is evil while evil is good. Can you prove anything different?

Yes. Easily. Morals are effectively standards. Standards exist for logical reasons. When we normalize our deviance to the standard the reason the standard existed in the first place is discovered. That's because not all behaviors lead to equal outcomes. Some behaviors lead to better outcomes (harmony, happiness and order) and some lead to worse (stress, discord and chaos).

And lastly, almost everyone believes in right and wrong so strongly, that rather than giving up that concept when they violate it, they rationalize they didn't violate. So rather than saying, fuck your invisible code of common decency, they argue that what they did wasn't wrong at all.

 

[Ace Nova]

Yes. Easily. Morals are effectively standards. Standards exist for logical reasons. When we normalize our deviance to the standard the reason the standard existed in the first place is discovered. That's because not all behaviors lead to equal outcomes. Some behaviors lead to better outcomes (harmony, happiness and order) and some lead to worse (stress, discord and chaos).

And lastly, almost everyone believes in right and wrong so strongly, that rather than giving up that concept when they violate it, they rationalize they didn't violate. So rather than saying, fuck your invisible code of common decency, they argue that what they did wasn't wrong at all.

Everything you say here is true.

When in Mathew 7, Jesus said, "Do not judge or you will be judged. By the same measure you judge others, you too will be judged." He wasn't just speaking about the "final judgement". He was also talking about "your invisible code of common decency".

Some may go on to argue what they did wasn't wrong at all - the teaching goes on to speak about that as well; Mathew 7

“Why do you take note of the splinter in your brother’s eye but do not notice the wooden plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while all the time the wooden plank remains in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the wooden plank from your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly enough to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye."

 

[Zincwarrior]

As I have said repeatedly here before, this is the one question that dogs those of faith, which is, why does a good God allow evil? But for those not of faith, the questions are even harder, which is, answering pretty much everything else regarding our existence.

This is an interesting response to the question.

This assumes God is good. I would submit concepts like good or bad don't apply.

 

[Rambunctious]

who are you kidding - is that your way to blackmail people into becoming 4th century christians, the desert religions.

not for all -

the need is to stop the pendulum from swinging in both directions as jesus taught to stop sinning, to sin no more - if that is not what the individual can accomplish there will not be a judgement for them to enter the everlasting - judgement is for which direction the pendulum was stopped from swinging.



the way is shown only the individual can accomplish the goal ... what jesus taught - not the lies of the crucifiers, the christian bible.

If you have issues with God that's your problem... 4th century Christians?....
An edict from Greece at the end of the 4th century made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire....
Its not about religion my friend... religion is for us here on earth and has little to do with absolute truth... but it is a place of togetherness and peace and is ultimately a good thing....

 

[Rambunctious]

If you have issues with God that's your problem... I'm not blackmailing anyone... why even bring up 4th century Christians?....
An edict from Greece at the end of the 4th century made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire....
Its not about religion my friend... religion is for us here on earth and has little to do with absolute truth... but it is a place of togetherness and peace and is ultimately a good thing....