Honest Questions for Christians - Page 4

[Kidzaplenty]

I can understand what you (OP) mean that things go wrong all the time. But the reason that I can trust in God is that He DOES care about me when everything is going wrong.

One thing, that I am not sure anyone has mentioned (if they have, then I will say it again), is that Christianity is more than just "believing" in God and following all the "right" "DO's" and not doing the "DON'T's". It is about a personal relationship with the Creator and His Son Jesus. It is about KNOWING Him personally. Not about rules and rituals. Rules and rituals will become empty after a while, but a relationship with God will only become deeper and more meaningful if it is worked on daily.

I have this personal relationship with Jesus. And so when my life fell apart (we lost our house...three times, my DH lost his job...twice, my baby daughter almost died and I was left with a "shell of a child" that we cared for until the day she did die, I lost my son to a preterm still birth, our van litterally went up in flames, and my son broke his foot, just to name a few; all within a "short" period of time-about four years) I KNOW He was there.

Many marriages would have fallen apart with much less stress, many people would have totally lost it. Yes, God allowed me to go through these trails, but He was there with me. I could feel Him. And because of Him in my life, I survived something that I would never have thought I could. And from that point in my life, my faith in Him and His power has increased exponentially.

I can also, now, see how God will use the enemies attacks for His (God's) glory. I can now help those who have lost children. I can not relate and help those that have special needs children. I can now relate and help those that have lost an unborn child, those that have lost their house, those that have lost everything. I have been there, done that. I know how it feels, I know the depths of pain that can come with it. And because of my experiences I can help someone else that may not be as strong as I am, someone that may just need a shoulder to cry on, that may just need someone that understands.

NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, that is evil comes from God. However there are times that bad and evil things happen to us, and yes, there are times that God shields us from them and others that God allows us to go through them. God is pruning us and shaping us into His desire and His will. Sometimes it takes something hard to make us move from our own little world and our own desires and comfort zone to go where He wants us to be. Other times He is just building our faith.

Our purpose on this earth is to share the Good News of His sacrifice to the world. Our purpose is to help Him reconcile the world with Himself. That is His desire. That is our purpose. And if we are stubborn, sometimes it takes hard circumstances to move us to the right places, to shape us into the person that He wants us to be (and believe me, I know I am a very stubborn person at times).

Like I teach my children, we can only reach our maximum potential and our ultimate happiness when we are living in God's Perfect will. He created each and every one of us for a specific purpose, a plan, and until we begin to operate in that purpose, we will find hardship and trials as He attempts to move us where we need to be. But when we get to where He wants us to be, we will find peace (even in the midst of trials), joy (even when things are going wrong), love, and acceptance.

Life will never be like a rose garden where we easily slide by with only fun and games and a happy life. But life can be full and joyful, and have meaning when we follow Him. So you can have peace when your world is falling apart. You can have joy when things are going wrong. You can have faith when it looks like nothing is good. He WILL take care of you. Focus first on Him, not on yourself, put your energy into a deeper relationship with Him, and everything else will fall into place.

[Bluegoat]

Bmcneal, I'm so sorry that things have been so rotten for you. It makes it so hard to carry on from day to day. I also haven't read through all of the posts here (there are so many) but a few things came to mind.

First, you are not the only Christian that has faced adversity and felt left alone by God. One thing I have found helpful is to read/think about some of the lives of the saints. It tends not to be an emphasis in many Protestant churches, but it can be a good way to remind ourselves how sometimes difficult situations can be approached in a Christian context.

Someone mentioned the book of Job, and I have always found it to be very instructive. It reminds us that things may not seem fair or good or make sense to us, but that does not mean it is punishment. And it follows that goodness doesn't mean we can expect good things in this life. But the story also tells us that this is because God is so much more than we can understand - we do not see the whole pattern, how it all plays out.

I think the most important example though is Christ on the cross. Here is someone without sin, a perfect person, who was tortured, felt abandoned by his friends and by God, and was killed unjustly. Yet it was through that suffering that humankind was redeemed. What I think we learn here is that for a Christian, suffering can be a path to God, it is not always an evil thing, and that God is capable of taking that suffering and somehow transforming it into something more.

All of this seems dry to me, having written it. But aside from bible reading (job, the psalms) I might recommend "he Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis.

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by 2xy

I'm not a Christian, and I respect anyone's right to believe whatever they want as long as nobody gets hurt in the process.

But I really can't wrap my brain around this.

I have a great deal of difficulty fathoming a deity who needs such an ego-stoking to create billions of beings solely for its own personal glorification. Why would an all-powerful being need to be worshiped by creatures such as ourselves? Isn't that rather petty? And if said deity IS such an egomaniac, why would it care at all about our happiness?

Anyway, to the OP....it's because of all the things in your first post that I've never been a believer.

As for Satan dishing out bad things....if God is all-powerful, then God should be able to get rid of Satan. Indeed, God allowed Satan's existence to begin with.

Well, generally it is not considered to be a matter of God needing to be worshiped. In fact, God doesn't need anything from us, he's complete in himself.

So, when Christians say they were 'made' to worship God, what they are getting at is that unless they recognize the true source of being and of truth, they will be unhappy.

Or to put it another way, what all humans want, at their core, it to love, and to be loved. We are seeking truth, in some sense. We often try to get these needs met by seeking lesser, created things; fame, power, money. Even things that are really good in themselves, like knowledge, family, friendship. But because these things are finite, they cannot satisfy us. We, though finite, comprehend the idea of the infinite, and only an infinite thing can satisfy us.

So by recognizing God, and understanding our dependent relationship to him, we can archive happiness and fulfill our nature.

As for why God did create, the short answer is for increase of love.

I don't think there has ever been any question that God could "stop" Satan. Usually Satan is seen as a being with free will, just like bad people.

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by Sailor

OP - while I have not gone through the things you have ... your questions are one of the reasons I left the Church.

I could no longer believe that "everything happened for a reason." I could no longer stand the idea that there was this grand plan, and somehow suffering was supposed to be a part of it.

I got so sickened by the amount of tragedy and suffering, and the religious front had absolutely no answers beyond things I had heard since I was a child (raised Catholic).

As a kid and teen, when I was a believer, I used to pray for my mom to remain healthy, and live a long/happy life. She was diagnosed with MS when I was 14. At around that time, I started asking the same questions you were.

Then I read Dawkins. Then I realized everything in religion made absolutely no logical sense to me, and it no longer spoke to me or called to me.

So, I let it go, and embraced atheism. And, I have to say, it was the single most FREEING moment of my entire life. I had never felt such freedom. When religious people tell me about their awakening to God, and how they felt in that moment - THAT is how I felt when I realized God did not exist (I mean, for me).

I think a lot of people feel the way you do. Some of them do as I did - go towards atheism. And others make peace with it via religion. I don't think there are ANY answers to your questions. Just conjecture.

The point is - the path is yours. You can decide on how you feel about religion, you can decide on what direction to go in. I would go in the direction that speaks most to your heart and mind. For me, that was (ironically to some, maybe) atheism. For you ...???? It's all up to you.

I found this very interesting from a Christian perspective. As an atheist, how do you find the problem of suffering is easier to understand?

[Sailor]

Originally Posted by Bluegoat

I found this very interesting from a Christian perspective. As an atheist, how do you find the problem of suffering is easier to understand?

Human beings choose to do immoral acts. That hasn't changed since, what? Caveman days? Some people simply ignore their moral compass, or don't have one. Their choices cause others to suffer, or themselves to suffer.

Disease - incurable disease or other - comes from nature, whether it's genetics, lifestyle, or originated from sources like chemicals, etc.

Accidents (cars, fires, etc.) can usually be traced back to the actions of people.

Lastly, nature has never been a benevolent force. Nature is fairly indifferent as a force. Suffering, death, disease, accidents, etc., are all a part of nature. Humans are of this world, and a part of nature.

Ergo, death, suffering, disease, etc., has touched us all.

My hope is that, one day, over the next few centuries, humans will go through some type of intellectual/philosophical revolution and realize that wars are rather pointless, that there are no winners in death, that we should work together versus apart, etc. And, finally, we'll start moving - successfully - into a more peaceful world. Meanwhile science and medicine will take care of most of the disease. And geriatrics might even take care of old age.

We'll live longer, healthier lives. And, eventually, the only logical step in human evolution will be to explore the rest of the universe. Not just via robots and telescopes, but via humans branching out to other corners of the universe (hey, it's a possibility!).

For me, there is no purpose, no plan, nothing. When there is no plan or purpose or anyone "higher" to turn to ... suffering is a natural consequence of nature, people, or random chance. I don't feel like there has to be plan or purpose to this life. If anything, the purpose of life is to live up to its potential - working towards the fulfillment and happiness of ourselves, and by extension each other. Continuing through evolution, exploring this world we live in ... and eventually branching out into the whole universe.

However, just to be clear - this is my view - and I definitely do NOT look down on anyone who chooses to believe. As I said, I think faith is an act of love and courage - in the face of the unknown, in the face of all obstacles. I think faith is a wonderful thing, yet another way to move through the world towards understanding/happiness/fulfillment.

I also think the exploration of that faith, and these questions are also a good thing. I don't think there can come anything bad out of a genuine desire to understand such questions, to understand the world we live in, to explore our beliefs/world view, to explore potential answers, or possibilities.

I find asking such questions (like the OP is doing) often leads to greater understanding, fulfillment, etc. It's just a matter of not giving up the exploration - whether we choose to do it from a Christian point of view or another. Jews immerse themselves in the study of the Torah and the word of God as a way to become closer to God. I imagine there are many Christians who do the same, and I think questions - even hard ones - are a part of that.

Anyway, good luck on your (the OP's) path.

And can I never write a short post?! lol

[AlwaysByMySide]

Originally Posted by Kidzaplenty

Life will never be like a rose garden where we easily slide by with only fun and games and a happy life. But life can be full and joyful, and have meaning when we follow Him. So you can have peace when your world is falling apart. You can have joy when things are going wrong. You can have faith when it looks like nothing is good. He WILL take care of you. Focus first on Him, not on yourself, put your energy into a deeper relationship with Him, and everything else will fall into place.

I really should have quoted your entire post, but I think this is the most important part.

I went through a literal hell a couple of years ago. I came home to my husband doing CPR on my 7 week old daughter. (I was baptized when I was pregnant with her.) She was pronounced at the hospital. My oldest was 20 months at the time, and was taken by CPS that night, in the midst of 12+ hours of questioning by NCIS (my husband was in the Navy, and the baby died in Navy housing).

VERY long story short, he lied about killing her (to authorities, to me, to everyone), eventually confessed when we were questioned several months later, after I had gotten pregnant with my son. My daughter lived in 3 foster homes for over seven months, and I spent well over $25K, including selling a car, and putting a lot on credit cards, to pay for the attorneys fees to get her back. We were then essentially held hostage in Hawaii, because of the laws between states to get us back to the mainland. We got back here, I gave birth two weeks later, and then my grandmother/best friend, got sick and eventually died. There's a lot more to the story, and on the suggestion of my psychologist, I'm writing a (Christian-based) book about the ordeal.

I don't know HOW I would have made it through all of that without God. Actually, I am convinced that I would NOT have made it through all of that without God. I was led to a different church than I had been attending, joined up with an amazing Women's group there, but it was honestly me and God throughout. I think that in situations like that, you have the choice to either go to God or turn away from Him. The entire process strengthened my relationship with God. I knew He was there. I learned to pray for my enemies. I learned to not be such a control freak. I learned who my real friends were. I learned to be still.

Granted, I would rather have had a nice happy house with nice happy children and a nice happy husband and not been through the heartache I went through. But I'm happier NOW. I'm better off NOW. And through it all, I always knew that there was someone else out there who had it worse than me. I learned to look for the little blessings in life. Sometimes, the blessings aren't THINGS, and they aren't what you think they are, but they are there.

So, to answer the original questions...

What do you do when things are going rough? Like, when everything is going wrong, and you've prayed about it, and done all the stuff you are "supposed" to do, like tithe, pray, attend church, treat other people well, etc?

You stop and pray again. You be still. You realize that not everything is actually going wrong. It may appear that way, but if you look hard enough, you can find the little blessings that are surrounding you.


Why and or how do you continue to believe that God is/will take care of you, when he hasn't/isn't?

You realize that He HAS. If you have food to eat, clothes to wear, friends to call, oxygen to breathe, children who smile, and a saved soul, then you know that He is taking care of you. I had one daughter die, another one taken away, and some days all I could do was sit and cry and do nothing. And then I'd feel the baby kick, or I'd watch videos of my daughters, and I'd realize that God IS taking care of me.


What do you do when God *does* give you more than you can handle?

You pray. You go through it one day at a time. You look for the little blessings. And you understand that He didn't give you more than you can handle. You just haven't realized it yet.

[tricia80]

I have had my fair share of many issues... I havelived an incredibly hard life at times (abuse, exiled, homeless etc) ... I was raised catholic but felts strained and experimented and searched for my path.. It wasn't until July 22, 2007 where I found the path i was supposed to go. I found true christianity. Everything I do is based on the Bible and Jesus' teachings. My life hasn't been easy by any means but the ways of the transgressor is hard. I came back to God and although he has blessed me immensly ( i have a child, I have a roof over my head, fairly good health, food in my tummy, not persecuted) I have beeen given more than my fair share of trials and tribulations.

All i can say is read your Bible but read with an open heart... The devil will continue to stir up those awful feelings in your soul. I agree with reading the Book of Job. He had a wonderfully blessed life and the devil told God that is the only reason Job was faithful. So Job had to endure many trials and tribulations but he remained faithful and was rewarded.

How we can have flowers without rain? Jesus suffered immensly, what gives me the right to ask for an easy life when our Lord and Savior didn't.

I know how hard it is... TRUST ME I KNOW... I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope you find the answers...

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by bmcneal

Disclaimer: I am being completely honest with my question. I am not trying to start an argument, I would rather not be flamed (although I could understand, I suppose, if you feel the need...), I just want to know. Thank you

What do you do when things are going rough? Like, when everything is going wrong, and you've prayed about it, and done all the stuff you are "supposed" to do, like tithe, pray, attend church, treat other people well, etc?

Why and or how do you continue to believe that God is/will take care of you, when he hasn't/isn't?

What do you do when God *does* give you more than you can handle?

The reason I ask is this. I have affiliated myself with the Christian faith for as long as I can remember. And for as long as I can remember, things have been *very* hard. I understand life is not easy. I understand things are not handed to you on a silver platter, and that has never been what I have ever expected. I have been abused by nearly everyone who was supposed to "care" for me. I have been homeless, had to send my daughter to stay with her grandparents for almost a year of her 3 years of being with us, and basically everything that could possibly go wrong, has. I prayed about it, read the bible, trusted God would protect me and care for me. But he has not. I have prayed that God would take the burden from my shoulders, help me cope with the hard things. I have survived everything I have been through, yes. But I honestly do not feel God has had any, if much, hand in it.

Right now, I am trying to figure out what I believe. My experiences and research at this point tell me that the Christian faith is flawed, and God is not so loving and protecting as one may be led to believe. I am not trying to say Christians are wrong. I do not know what I believe at this point. I am just curious as to what some of you might have to say in regards to the questions I have posed. Thank you.

I think the difference is in how one interprets or understands God. I've always felt protected. Even when I didn't think I believed in God. I've been homeless, I've had cancer, I've been infertile, lost a baby, been in crappy relationships among other things I won't post. It's never made me mad at God though. I've never thought of God as manipulating every experience in my life. But then I also rarely ever ask for anything for myself, except for peace. I have asked for things for others. I just figure this life is for experiencing things even the hard stuff, but I tend to find a kind of beauty in hardship that some don't understand.