How can you say God is a just god even though he punishes those who don't believe?

Question

If God is just, then he can't be unjust, but according to most beliefs, those who don't believe are made to suffer. How can a just God cause suffering if he claims to be just.

And saying "God works in mysterious ways" is the easy way out.

Answer 1

its his game kinda like ripping wings off of birds

Answer 2

You are right, God is just, but I think someone has told you wrong about the "non-believers". Non-believers aren't doomed to "suffer in the hellfires", as some people believe. They are just people that don't believe. And that's okay. My religion believes that it is our duty to tell people about God and His love, but we can't force someone to believe something they don't agree with. That is clearly stated in the Vatican II Council's document, Dignitatus Humanae- respect for other religions, respect for others' beliefs. About suffering: God does not cause people to suffer to punish them. I personally believe that He lets people suffer so that others can have compassion. The saying, "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" is very true. God wants us to succeed in everything that we do, but He also gave us free will. He gave us the ability to choose what to do with our lives, even if that means hurting Him by blaspheming His name. The good thing is, He always loves us, no matter what we do. I could go on and on about this, but I suggest talking to your local priest, or just Googling the Catholic faith. www.newadvent.org is a great website, too. There are many websites and many resources that can help you out with this question, and keep in mind that everyone has a different perspective on religion. I think the main thing that everyone believes in one way or another is that if you're a good person, and you try your best to live a good life, then you're not going to go to hell or anything like that. Good luck with your question, and God Bless!

Answer 3

Maybe you should take a differnt look at God

you say he punishes those who "don't believe"
LOOK AT IT DIFFERENTLY.

if you do what it takes and go with God than that is where you will be, and reap the rewards,
If you do not want to do that,and you choose a differnt path..
you will lhave everything that is the "ABSENSE OF GOD"
WHY IS THIS A PUNISHMENT.

Do you want to go live in a beautiful place (an example)
Like Beverly Hills, my home, and all the benefits and pleasures that go with it,,?
OK Then, you can, come on over,, but you must respect my rules, and certain restrictions apply, after all, i will share so much,,

No? YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THERE,?
you prefer the city life, the "wild side" AND ALL THE FRINGE GOODIES, AND ITS LAWLESS, OR WHATEVER ENVIRONMENT,, THEN GO AHEAD, NO LONE WILL HOLD YOU BACK,,

HOWEVER, YOU WILL BE IIN THE ABSENSE OF MY ENVIRONMENT,, AND YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN WAY, WITHOUT ME,
YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH AS ONE WILL CORRUPT THE OTHER, AT BEST,

SO.. WHY IS THIS PUNISHMENT ,, IT IS YOUR CHOICE?

Answer 4

You have been misled sweetie. God does not do bad things to people, or cause them to suffer, but he does not always stop Satan from messing with you. This is where your faith helps you. God also promised not to let more be put on you than you could bear. It's in the book of Job, (pronounced Jobe) about a man named Job, whose faith in God was so strong that Satan wanted to see if he could shake him, so God didn't stop him, and Satan caused him boils, and pain, and much suffering, all kinds of things, but his faith in God did not waiver. He still loved, worshiped, and obeyed God. You should read it some time, it's only 1 "Book" more like a chapter, in the Bible. Then you can see what all Satan did to this man, and for how long, and how the man kept his faith in God. Then ask yourself this question..."with Satan personally attacking this man, and he being able to keep his love and faith for God, what right do I have to question, or judge God?" Your forgetting, God made this world, he can take it out! This is his creation, and the bottom line is "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven". THY WILL, HIS WILL. Do you know from 1 persons misfortune, (that you call punishment) how many others will be taught an example?, how many people will realize their selfishness? How many people will realize how good they really have it? How many people it will touch? How many will come to God because of that one thing? His whole point is to try to save us because He loves us and has prepared a place to dwell with Him for ever. He gave us free will wether to accept His word or not, and then on judgement day, that is when the unrepentant will be made to suffer. I don't know if it says He is a just God any where or not to be honest, but I KNOW it says He is a jealous God. How would you feel if you could create an earth, and people, and said I want you to love me, but I will let you choose, and they turned their backs on you? And watch it here, when you try to judge God, Because he says that the ways that YOU use to judge another is how HE will judge you! Any way I gotta go and u probably haven't even read this far any ways, but if you have, just go read the Book of Job. And the Book of Genesis, and The Book of Matthew wouldn't hurt either. And if you're feeling really cocky, try on the Book of Revelation!

Answer 5

Depends on whose God. Unjust people have gods too, and you darn well better 'believe' or else!
Religion is the invention of prejudice. What else is new? The very fact that you can conceive of "a god" - one character to represent the infinitum of possible personalities means that you are separating people with zealous arrogance.
If God is the moon then what of the stars? If God is omnipresent, why not in you? And how could he live in the heavens and not everywhere?

Answer 6

Who told you that he punishes those who don't believe?
There are types of people:

Those who know and understand, and are faithful , righteous
Those who are not trained because of circumstance, unrighteous
Both will have A chance to know him better in the near future.
There is a third group, those who have been taught the truth and choose to go another path...The grieve the Holy spirit.
But their punishment is not an eternal Hell, it is simply NOT to exist anymore after death. So no hope of a Resurrection.


I think it sounds pretty fair, Religion? Ha! Ask the Bible, read it daily!

Answer 7

God only punishes those who disobey Him and break His law, just like any judge would do. Unfortunately for us, every person on earth has missed the mark in some way. Unlike any judge, however, you can be set free just by trusting in Christ to save you from the punishment. Everyone deserves punishment (to different degrees), but God offers a way out to anyone who humbles themselves enough to take it.

Answer 8

God punishes the unjust because they have chosen to be unjust.
Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has been born with the concept of right and wrong already in us. If a person choses to do wrong, he or she should also expect to be punished.

Answer 9

Well, those who say that God causes suffering to unbelievers may simply be erroneous. Though, if it is true that God causes agnostics or atheists suffering, perhaps it is to serve as an impetus, causing the agnostic/atheist to realize there is a greater power causing the suffering, resulting in belief.

Answer 10

God doesn't punish them they suffer from the repercussions of their own sins. For example: those who get involved in sex before marriage damage their ability to bond properly with subsequent partners, they suffer from low self esteem because they allowed casual partlners that did not respect them enough to make a full committment to them, access to thier most intimate self.

God doesn't have to punish them.

Also, in order for heaven to be a great place of perfection and peace and harmony how could God allow those who have not perfected themselves on earth as much as possible access to this place. Anyone not choosing fellowship with God, could not possibly get along harmoniously there.

Answer 11

If God were truly just we'd all be in hell right now. None are worthy of perfection as He is. He is however merciful. "He causes the rain to fall on the just and unjust." He doesn't cause suffering, He allows suffering. He causes healing. Not all healing is physical.