Two weeks ago I wrote a blog on Haiti and the universal question of why does God allow suffering. It got me thinking about Heaven. Current theology basically goes along the lines that Heaven will be a perfect place with no more hurts, pains, and death. Sounds great doesn't it. But the question at the back of my mind is, why didn't God create this when He created Earth? Then we could have avoided the suffering now being dealt with in Haiti.
Maybe God did - maybe Eden was as perfect as Heaven is going to be. But then that would suggest there exists the possibility for us to sin in Heaven as Adam and Eve sinned in Eden. But that doesn't quite fit with the idea that there will be no more disappointments in Heaven. So it would suggest that in Heaven we will not have the option to sin. What does that mean for our freewill? Will we have freedom, will we not?
I guess I have always struggled with this question of what living in Heaven will be like if we can't choose to sin, if we are somehow limited in our freedom. Its not really a point that I have seen talked about in detail and it certainly is not something that the Bible goes into detail about. As a result I am left to make a few assumptions. My assumptions must be based on something and I can think of no greater thing to make an assumption on then the character of God.
From all I know of God and all I have experienced with God, God is good and wants good things for us. Therefore I can assume that although I don't really have a firm grip on how freedom and perfection in Heaven will work, I can trust God that it will be a good situation.
But the question that came to me 2 weeks ago, and one that I haven't answered yet, is if there is a way for us to exist and be happy and free (which is what we all assume Heaven will be like) then why didn't God create this from the beginning?
I just don't know.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Haiti: Why Does God Let it Happen
Its the oldest question in the theological debate:
If there is a God, why does He let bad things happen?
The question has been debated and answered by all the great theologians from St. Augusting to CS Lewis to just about every Christian talking about the current situation in Haiti (not including the embarrassment that Pat Robertson is and his claim that Haiti is cursed because its people made a pact with the devil in the 19th century).
There are the standard answers that include the issue of freedom and the environment to produce greater good. The second option is the idea that where there is evil and wrong it produces an opportunity for people to act in greater levels of goodness; i.e. brave in the face of danger, generous after a loss, caring for hurt and wounded people, etc. While greater minds then mine have embraced this option, I have never been a big fan of it. I could never wrap my mind around the idea that God would allow evil to thrive so that good could thrive. The trade off never seem justified to me and the reality that is our planet seems to reflect more suffering then good.
That being said, I was always a proponent of the idea that when bad things happen it is the consequence of the gift of freedom that God gave us. He created us free so that we could choose good or bad, we could help or we could hurt our neighbour. If God was to take away the choice of me walking over and punching you in the nose He would in effect be talking away my freedom and turning me into a robot. And no one wants that - I, as a typical human being, love my freedom and God wants humans to freely choose to follow and love Him (He's not interested in slaves, robots, or subjects that follow out of fear; but thats another post).
So the argument of freewill was always the one that I used to rebuff the rather regular quires I get on this topic. And pushed to the extent the consequences of human choice can account for a lot of suffering in this world - from violence to poverty to starvation to the far reaching impact of the use of chemicals and pollution (acid rain, birth defects, increased desertification, etc. etc.).
And yet when you read the stories and see the pictures and the evening news about Haiti - all these arguments seem to ring a bit empty. Is this the cost of my freedom? Is this the reflection of a God who would allow so much innocent suffering? Does God exist? How can I defend God's actions in the wake of all this? This are the questions that run through my mind. And given the time and emotional clarity needed, I can address all these questions adequately - or at least to myself.
But that is the problem - I'm only answering my own doubts and questions. My answers rarely ever soothe an opponent or help someone seeking greater spiritual insights.
For those that don't believe in a God - Haiti is yet another reason to not believe. And try as I might to argue the point, the arguments fall short when measured up against the lost look in the eyes of a child that just lost all her family, all her possessions, and every meager thing that she did have in her life.
To be honest I have no great answer to this question. Its difficult and probably the biggest stumbling block to people believing in a good God. Its a thorn in the side of my faith that I cannot remove. So I move on in trust and hope.
If there is a God, why does He let bad things happen?
The question has been debated and answered by all the great theologians from St. Augusting to CS Lewis to just about every Christian talking about the current situation in Haiti (not including the embarrassment that Pat Robertson is and his claim that Haiti is cursed because its people made a pact with the devil in the 19th century).
There are the standard answers that include the issue of freedom and the environment to produce greater good. The second option is the idea that where there is evil and wrong it produces an opportunity for people to act in greater levels of goodness; i.e. brave in the face of danger, generous after a loss, caring for hurt and wounded people, etc. While greater minds then mine have embraced this option, I have never been a big fan of it. I could never wrap my mind around the idea that God would allow evil to thrive so that good could thrive. The trade off never seem justified to me and the reality that is our planet seems to reflect more suffering then good.
That being said, I was always a proponent of the idea that when bad things happen it is the consequence of the gift of freedom that God gave us. He created us free so that we could choose good or bad, we could help or we could hurt our neighbour. If God was to take away the choice of me walking over and punching you in the nose He would in effect be talking away my freedom and turning me into a robot. And no one wants that - I, as a typical human being, love my freedom and God wants humans to freely choose to follow and love Him (He's not interested in slaves, robots, or subjects that follow out of fear; but thats another post).
So the argument of freewill was always the one that I used to rebuff the rather regular quires I get on this topic. And pushed to the extent the consequences of human choice can account for a lot of suffering in this world - from violence to poverty to starvation to the far reaching impact of the use of chemicals and pollution (acid rain, birth defects, increased desertification, etc. etc.).
And yet when you read the stories and see the pictures and the evening news about Haiti - all these arguments seem to ring a bit empty. Is this the cost of my freedom? Is this the reflection of a God who would allow so much innocent suffering? Does God exist? How can I defend God's actions in the wake of all this? This are the questions that run through my mind. And given the time and emotional clarity needed, I can address all these questions adequately - or at least to myself.
But that is the problem - I'm only answering my own doubts and questions. My answers rarely ever soothe an opponent or help someone seeking greater spiritual insights.
For those that don't believe in a God - Haiti is yet another reason to not believe. And try as I might to argue the point, the arguments fall short when measured up against the lost look in the eyes of a child that just lost all her family, all her possessions, and every meager thing that she did have in her life.
To be honest I have no great answer to this question. Its difficult and probably the biggest stumbling block to people believing in a good God. Its a thorn in the side of my faith that I cannot remove. So I move on in trust and hope.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
What is Christmas to you?
Christmas is almost upon us. The frantic pace of trying to get everything sorted, bought, prepared, decorated, wrapped, organized, and sent is here. I don't know about you, but despite the hassles and crowds, I love Christmas time. It conjours up images and memories of candy stuffed bellies; delight and wonder of amazing gifts; and of course fun family time.
No, not every Christmas was something right out of Hollywood circa 1954, but still the season was always a treat and something I looked forward to every year (and still do). But of course it isn't like this for everyone. And of course many Christians lament the way this Holiday period resembles something more out of a handguide to business success then the Bible. There are all sorts of questions, queries, and/or concerns about Christmas - one of my personal favourites is the actual date (was December 25th the actual birth date of Jesus - probably not).
However, why do people focus and fret about the inconveniences or problems? This is probably the time of year where more people think about giving, being together with family and friends, and having a thought or two about God and spiritual matters as compared to any other time of the year. And isn't that one of the reasons that Jesus came to Earth - to promote giving, community, and an understanding of God.
So enjoy the Turkey and Christmas Pudding, enjoy the look of excitement on the children's faces, and try to step back and ask yourself what is Christmas to God - what does He look at and see, what is He doing, and how is God celebrating this time of year?
Merry Christmas (I'll be back in the New Year)
No, not every Christmas was something right out of Hollywood circa 1954, but still the season was always a treat and something I looked forward to every year (and still do). But of course it isn't like this for everyone. And of course many Christians lament the way this Holiday period resembles something more out of a handguide to business success then the Bible. There are all sorts of questions, queries, and/or concerns about Christmas - one of my personal favourites is the actual date (was December 25th the actual birth date of Jesus - probably not).
However, why do people focus and fret about the inconveniences or problems? This is probably the time of year where more people think about giving, being together with family and friends, and having a thought or two about God and spiritual matters as compared to any other time of the year. And isn't that one of the reasons that Jesus came to Earth - to promote giving, community, and an understanding of God.
So enjoy the Turkey and Christmas Pudding, enjoy the look of excitement on the children's faces, and try to step back and ask yourself what is Christmas to God - what does He look at and see, what is He doing, and how is God celebrating this time of year?
Merry Christmas (I'll be back in the New Year)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Bored with God?
This morning as I was riding in to work on the metro I took the opportunity to read a little from The Message on my iPhone (yes, how very modern of me - commuting to work on public transport and using an Apple product - soon the new Microsoft because they are everywhere - to read this modern translation of an ancient text). I indeed had a few interesting thoughts from my readings, but my mind wandered a little to the big picture of my spiritual life and I asked myself if I was bored with God?
A scary question to be sure - because just the question let alone the answer is a bit insulting both to God and to me. But I think one that bears asking. Yes, God should be insulted by the thought that He could bore anyone (the question of whether God would be insulted or can be insulted is another topic). Here is the most awe inspiring Person, the Creator of all things, a Being so powerful the very presence of Him could destroy all other things. And yet I find myself asking - does God bore me?
Its insulting to God that I ask this question and its insulting to me. Its insulting to me because it implies that I don't really understand the reality of having a relationship with God and the true joy and truth that that relationship should bring. And yet I claim to be a Christian where a relationship to God is the core of my life.
Despite all this, I still find myself asking this question. And this morning as I sped along under the streets of the traffic jams above me, contemplating how I emotionally respond to He who holds all things in His hands; I had to answer; Yes I was bored.
The truth of that is not at all flattering - because it reveals the truth of my relationship, or more accurately my lack of connectedness with God. In my mind, I know I should never be bored with God, how could I. And yet my emotional response is one of boredom. Therefore the only conclusion I can reach is that my disconnect is so immense that I am missing out on the most rewarding of human experiences.
I wonder how I shall respond to this revelation????
A scary question to be sure - because just the question let alone the answer is a bit insulting both to God and to me. But I think one that bears asking. Yes, God should be insulted by the thought that He could bore anyone (the question of whether God would be insulted or can be insulted is another topic). Here is the most awe inspiring Person, the Creator of all things, a Being so powerful the very presence of Him could destroy all other things. And yet I find myself asking - does God bore me?
Its insulting to God that I ask this question and its insulting to me. Its insulting to me because it implies that I don't really understand the reality of having a relationship with God and the true joy and truth that that relationship should bring. And yet I claim to be a Christian where a relationship to God is the core of my life.
Despite all this, I still find myself asking this question. And this morning as I sped along under the streets of the traffic jams above me, contemplating how I emotionally respond to He who holds all things in His hands; I had to answer; Yes I was bored.
The truth of that is not at all flattering - because it reveals the truth of my relationship, or more accurately my lack of connectedness with God. In my mind, I know I should never be bored with God, how could I. And yet my emotional response is one of boredom. Therefore the only conclusion I can reach is that my disconnect is so immense that I am missing out on the most rewarding of human experiences.
I wonder how I shall respond to this revelation????
Monday, November 30, 2009
Faith, Death, and Perspective
Yesterday at church we had a guest speaker. This was a man that had just won his battle with cancer and he shared about how his faith helped him through the scare, the pain, the disappointment, the questions, and all the other emotions that come from facing death.
I don't know about you, but do you tire of hearing the happy clappy version of life from people who have come through a scare like cancer, a car accident, or some other tragedy? Somehow it just didn't seem authentic to me (and of course having never had to experience something like this I really don't know what I'm talking about). But what I found so refreshing about what I heard yesterday was a man that relied heavily on his wife and family (community and family are so important in all areas of life) and didn't try to pretend all he needed was God to get him through it all. That, and he really emphasized perspective. Being able to step back and look at life from God's perspective. You hear this advice a lot when you spend a good chunk of your time in the Christian sub-culture. And its good advice.
The ability to step back and to see your place in the bigger picture, to see what God would see. This is what separates someone who is in touch with another world and someone who is not. And like most things in life that are worthwhile and rewarding, it is a skill that does not come quickly or easily or by following some little magical formula. It takes time and discipline - to chase after God.
So my challenge - are you able to step back and see things from God's perspective? When your life gets struck by some huge stressful event, or even harder; when your life is dull, monotonous, and tiring?
If not, time to chase after God.
I don't know about you, but do you tire of hearing the happy clappy version of life from people who have come through a scare like cancer, a car accident, or some other tragedy? Somehow it just didn't seem authentic to me (and of course having never had to experience something like this I really don't know what I'm talking about). But what I found so refreshing about what I heard yesterday was a man that relied heavily on his wife and family (community and family are so important in all areas of life) and didn't try to pretend all he needed was God to get him through it all. That, and he really emphasized perspective. Being able to step back and look at life from God's perspective. You hear this advice a lot when you spend a good chunk of your time in the Christian sub-culture. And its good advice.
The ability to step back and to see your place in the bigger picture, to see what God would see. This is what separates someone who is in touch with another world and someone who is not. And like most things in life that are worthwhile and rewarding, it is a skill that does not come quickly or easily or by following some little magical formula. It takes time and discipline - to chase after God.
So my challenge - are you able to step back and see things from God's perspective? When your life gets struck by some huge stressful event, or even harder; when your life is dull, monotonous, and tiring?
If not, time to chase after God.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Blogless
OK, here it is near the end of November and I'm just getting around to putting up a blog. I think somehow I missed the basic idea of blogging - to put something up on a regular basis. Thus I'm calling myself Blogless. Or as some of my more astute friends might say - Useless.
OK, so if I say that I'm going to put something up here once a week - does that then make me accountable? Well I'm guessing that based on the lack of regular posts I'm not getting a lot of readers :) So I guess that statement makes me accountable only to myself. Well at least that is a place to begin.
So besides my self-incrimination, what do I have to share today. A quote:
"Whenever I meet a Buddhist leader, I meet a holy man in touch with another world. Whenever I meet a Christian leader, I meet a manager at home only in this world like I am."
Ouch - but all too true.
I know when people meet me they certainly don't feel like they have met a man in touch with another world. So my challenge to myself and to other like minded individuals - work on getting in touch with another world!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Not Disappeared and a Smile
Yes, yes, I know. You thought I'd returned to the hills of
I, like all new fathers, have the best, cutest, more adorable, and obviously the most intelligent baby ever to grace the shores of our fair Earth. One thing I never imagined before becoming a father is the pure joy that a smile from my daughter can bring. When I look over the edge of the crib and she breaks into this great big smile and wiggles her legs and arms in happiness simply because I am there - well wow! That smile and the look on her face touch my heart and soul in ways I never experienced before.
So what does the smile of my wonderful daughter have to do with the spiritual thoughts I try to share on this blog. Well one day I was thinking about how my daughter makes me feel and I wonder if we have this same capacity to bring joy to God.
However this question presupposes a relationship/a connection/an interaction between a person and God - between me and God. The connection I have with my daughter is so vibrant and meaningful and I must confess that currently it outweighs the experience of God that I have from day to day. So does that mean because I don't have an emotional response to God's presence in my life that it is somehow less vibrant, less meaningful? Does God still experience a joy from His relationship with me if I don't feel anything?
Well you can see this whole train of thought has led me to questions about the role of feelings in the truth of God and one's own spiritual life. For many people there is a significant lack of personal emotive experiences that come from connecting or trying to connect with God. And yes of course we all tell ourselves and hear from the "experts" that it’s important not to rely on feelings when it comes to our relationship with Christ.
That may be very true, and we might truly believe it, but when you don't have an emotional experience from your relationship with God for long periods of time - it becomes increasingly difficult to spend time and energy on that relationships. We may wish this not to be true, we may tell ourselves that we can trust the truth of God over our feelings, but in reality it is a struggle.
So what is the clever conclusion? What is the little platitude of truth to be delivered that will help everyone with this little problem?
Sorry - there is none. Rather only a confession of reality. It’s very easy for me to spend time and energy on my daughter because of the great joy she brings me; and it can be very difficult to do the same with my relationship with God because there isn't always the same reward. And this is where patience, commitment, and perseverance come in.
Really there isn't anything new being said in this post - rather a plea to remain honest! Be honest and share the joy and excitement of having a significant experience of God's presence, comfort, and guidance in you life when you experience it. But in the same vein be honest and share the struggle; drudgery; excuses to avoid your Bible, church, and prayer; and downright boredom you experience at times in your relationship with God.
One of the biggest things we need to do is rid dishonesty from the church and Christian life. We need to learn to share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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