An example of this was dealing with the problem of suffering. Often times Christians, and I've done this as well, will answer the problem of suffering question by going straight to the fall of man and discussing why sin entered the world and so suffering entered the world with it. Though theologically this may be a correct answer, it leaves nothing for the listener to grab hold of.
The problem of suffering can often come from a personal experience of suffering and the fall of man is such an impersonal response that it falls short of being satisfying as an answer. It is likely that the issue with the problem of suffering actually comes down to the problem of death and with that a question can be given back: why is it that something within us doesn't like death? No matter how long a person has lived, their family still mourns their loss. No matter how often we see suffering on the news something within us still says this is wrong. Why? What solution does their current world view have for this problem?
The gospel holds an amazing answer that death has no place in this world and in the end, pain and suffering will be removed. It is why it is such good news. No other religion's founder has successfully conquered death and no other world view will be able to provide such hope or an intellectually satisfying response as to why we naturally feel that death is a terrible thing. Jesus empty tomb can give us all hope.
A redeemed mind is a terrible thing to waste.
3 comments:
I love "A Redeemed Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste!" For a couple of years I have been suffering from depression. I know all the right answers of "There are worse off them me." "Wow, Jesus sacificeds suffers so much more than I ever will." "He knows what I am going through." He has been rejected beyond rejected." "I picture His...crawling, falling, blood flowing, as He bares the weight of carrying that cross to Calvary! "Forgive them for they know not what they do!" I feel like my redeemed mind is wasting away at home, at church and in my own little world I have put myself in lately. I really came on your blog to ask if you had articles relating to the responsiblies of the church to its members/believers and then it's responsiblities to the non=members/unbelievers. I just started reading some of the blogs and got off track. They still have some things in common. If you get a chance, let me know. I just have this heart felt urge in me that my/our churches (body of Christ) has strayed from what Christ really wants from us in this world to be to this world. Thanks & Supremely God Bless You
I hate to break it to you. But your answer doesn’t solve the problem of suffering; it only ignores the problem in favour of a belief in a better world after death (if there is one). Like all that will somehow excuse God for letting needless suffering prevail in this life. The belief may help to cope with certain anxiety issues we have with death, but this hope certainly isn’t exclusive to the Christian faith, any religion that offers its adherent’s eternity in paradise will do this. I have found my peace outside of religion.
As far as God sending his son/himself to be brutally murder, then raised again specifically three days later to come with the “Holy Spirit” (the third figure in the holy trinity... dah!) for the remission of all mankind’s sins so that we may live on forever in paradise, which we know from reading non original, non eye witness accounts from the unscientific era of the first centaury as being an “intellectually satisfying response as to why we naturally feel that death is a terrible thing”... I’m speechless!
No theological explanation is needed. Our fear of death can be explained both biologically and psychologically.
What solution does their current world view have for this problem?
Well I can only speak for myself, but the conclusions that I have drawn are sufficient for me to continue enjoying and living a happy life without constantly worrying about my death. I have come to terms with my death, I have chosen not to ignore it till the time comes but face it now, (intellectually I mean). I have read books from all walks of life and spent many hours contemplating and talking with others about it. I am at peace with the fact that, one fine day, I will die. Death is a part of life, and I don’t believe life is about a selfish struggle to find a way to live forever. I think there is a quiet dignity in the life that gets the chance to experience all it can and pass the mantle onto the next generation before it lays down to rest. Of course not every life gets this chance and that is the sad truth, needless suffering does indeed exist. But this is a dilemma for the believer in a personal God to contemplate. For me, it is an obstacle to overcome and a problem to solve, one that will require all of us working together.
Jason
Thanks for posting Jason. This post was more aimed to get to the basis of a question rather than answering it blindly with theological jargon. I do not believe in ignoring the question but making the answer more personal to the person asking.
You said:
"which we know from reading non original, non eye witness accounts from the unscientific era of the first century as being an “intellectually satisfying response as to why we naturally feel that death is a terrible thing”"
All I can say to this is do a bit more research as all three statements not only belittle the minds of first century people (who were surprisingly scientific) but also make claims that are incorrect. There is evidence that the gospels are eye witness accounts and we can link much of the bible to original sources.
Thank you for taking the time to share your world view. I unfortunately have run out of time to respond, though I do agree that suffering is an obstacle for humans to overcome - I just think there is a hope for the future. I will respond more when I can.
Thanks again,
Phil
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