Today, John Loftus posted a quote from one of his readers known as articulett. I found it interesting because not only does it seem to embody a real strong hatred for God but it is based on some faulty presuppositions.
No matter the horror, all religious folks seem fine with the fact that their supposedly omnipotent deity acts like he doesn't exist at all. On occasion though, he appears to step in and help them find car keys or help their sports teams to win games.articulett's presuppositions rest on the thought that if God exists there would be know suffering and that Christians erroneously think that such a God would care about mundane things in our lives and allow the horrors of war, famine, pestilence, and death that we see all around us. So what is wrong with the thought process? I want to know how does she or anyone knows that God does not intervene to stop horrors and disasters and mitigate the terrible things that God does allow to happen? It is not enough to assert that if God is good nothing bad would ever happen. Why not? Obviously, her beef is with the God of Christianity. There is nothing in the Bible where God promises that His people would never suffer. If you are not a believer then why would you think that God would exempt you from suffering if His people are not? The Bible tells us that God always intervenes and the God is always in control. God protects people, even people who reject him, from seen and unseen dangers. Not one of us know just what is around the corner or how close to the edge of oblivion you are or have been. The fact that any of is around to wonder why there is so much suffering is amazing. When we do experience suffering what keeps it from being worse? God.
I don't think you can think of this subject without wondering why there is suffering. The whole Bible speaks to this but let's look at a single passage for a general answer:
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. - Romans 8:18-25
I think people tend who disbelieve God get angry that believers can see how terrible the world is and still have hope and trust in God.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:6-8
I have done this and I have found this to be true. God did exactly what he inspired Paul to write.
Debunking Christianity: Quote of the Day, by articulett
