Many theists justify suffering by saying god cannot interfere, but they pray for him to do exactly that. Why?

Question

If suffering only exists because god cannot interfere without taking away our free will, which he supposedly values above all else, then why do theists hope and pray that their god will interfere to bring about good things in life, and claim that he does exactly that? Why the contradiction?

It seems to me that theists always try to construct their ideas about god in such a way that they will produce a universe which is indistinguishable from a universe in which no god actually exists.

Julia: Many millions of people throughout history will doubtless have wished that a god would interfere to prevent their torture, rape, mutilation, persecution, murder etc., but it didn't happen. So, your objection is erroneous.

angeltress: The universe looks exactly like a universe with no god - Good things and bad things happen by chance and by human intent, with not the slightest evidence of any supernatural involvement whatsoever.

There is no reason to suppose that a god has ever interfered to avert or reduce anyone's suffering whatsoever, and my point is that theists justify the fact that god is inevident and allows little children to be tortured and raped by saying that their god cannot interfere... and yet they pray for him to do exactly that. If in fact they believe he *can* interfere without compromising his principles, then why doesn't he? Why do people still suffer?

The obvious answer, of course, is that the reason gods are inevident is that no gods really exist.

Dhyana: If free will is so highly valued by your god then why does he allow paedophiles to deprive their young victims of the free will to live unmolested?

Answer 1

Once again the contradiction of this belief system is all too apparent.

Answer 2

You could conclude that no God exists but once again you are using your own definition of what God should be as evidence that he doesnt exist.

God is not a genie. Even some Christians dont get that. You dont pray to God for a million dollars and then if you dont get that million use that to say he doesnt exist. A true Christian believes that God is good, just, loving , and all wise. And God has a good purpose in everything. A prayer should ask God for strength and to make the best decisions in life, whaterve rGod chooses to bring to it. Sometimes those purpose are not clear to us. Just like when you take candy away from your kid as a parent. They might not at the time undersand that you want to prevent cavities from occuring.

Answer 3

We have free will and God does not interfere unless we ask. It is our action that causes God to become involved directly. However, He may choose not to or to do it at a later time. But He is always around and it is His sustaining grace that even allows the universe to exist.

Answer 4

there is not any Mr impressive. There are, besides the obtrusive incontrovertible actuality that, cults. each and each and every faith is a cult. all of them declare to be the purely optimal acceptable link to 'Mr impressive'. all of them use an same ideas, get 'em even as they're very youthful, and start up the academic. you may want to check out all of us, see their classes. And observe how they use rote preparation - the repetitive and reinforcing preparation.. hi - the military & each and each and every of the diverse secure practices pressure outfits do an same - rote practice the troops. till that is going to grow to be a ingredient of you. the actuality of this universe we stay interior of - is unquestionably diverse. and four hundred years interior the previous, technologies lit a impressive mild, of reason & expertise. It swept the planet, replaced into favourite as 'the enlightenment'. seem it up. the ingredient is - those cults are also utilized by using the corporate syndicate that runs the gadget we are truly a lot compelled to stay shrink than. It wasn't continually this way. back as rapidly as we had a President that needed preparation, technologies and absolutely wellbeing for each guy or female, and he began the Peace Corps. even if the corporate syndicate needed more advantageous - consistent - Wars. something is heritage..

Answer 5

I never thought about it that way, but you have a good point there. I agree with pretty much everything you said just now. It may be good though to include that a lot of religeous people believe that the devil is responsible for the suffering. That he is undermining God and what God wants for us. That is how they explain the bad things that happen to us.

Answer 6

Well I think there is a contradiction there.

If you think or the theists think GOD does not interfere, then how come christianity has the coming of Jesus Christ and the several enlightenments in other religions?

Hinduism states that GOD will manifest when and if there is gross immorality in the world.

Answer 7

It's hard for me to understand how anyone could concieve of a universe in which no God actually exists.
Why would God not "interfere" (as you put it) in the lives of people who love Him and who pray to Him? How is it a violation of my free will for Him to answer my prayers? Don't you "interfere" in the lives of your children? Is it "interfering" when your child asks you for help, and you help him/her?

Answer 8

>>>Many theists justify suffering by saying god cannot interfere<<<

Who are these "theists" who say that?

I don't know of any believers who think that God cannot interfere. I don't know of any who think there's anything that God cannot do, for that matter.

So, the whole premise upon which your question is based is erroneous.

Answer 9

In Christianity:
God will not interfere in any ones life unless you ask. Than he will interfere in your life. Common sense. If people act evil, do evil, are evil, than evil will be in the land. If men had listen to God in the beginning than this world wouldn't be so bad. Keep in mind that Christians also believe that Satan creates evil.

Answer 10

No contradiction there, even if it is an unfounded belief. Receiving help after explicitly requesting it is in no way an imposition. Nice fallacy though, thanks for demonstrating your bias.

On the other point you introduced when your fallacy became evident, limiting one persons free will to preserve that of another does not promote free will in any way. It is robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Answer 11

Free will allows you to invite the help of God through prayer.

We "construct" our ideas about God according to His revelation of Himself, and our experience of Him...not to mention the millions of testimonies of others.