Could the beleif that God is in control be an excuse not to care?

Question

Has anyone ever thought that the beleif that "God is in control of everything, and has a plan for us all" has been used as an excuse for people not to try to change the world? The beleif that everything happens as a part of God's great plan leaves you with the beleif that we are not in control, and whatever happens does so as a part of God's purpose for that individual. I know that in my past experience of being a Christian, I would look at global warming as just part of God's plan, and wouldn't worry about it because one day Jesus will come back and make the Earth new anyway, therefore it was not a matter that concerned me. The same as for the people suffering in the world, the children dying from abuse, the people being raped, the homeless, I saw it as part of God's plan for those people, & knew that he needed them to go through these things for some higher purpose. Does anyone feel that the main concern of Christians is merely to bring in more Christians?

Having come out of religion and looking in on it, I see that the majority are concerned mostly with bringing more people to the faith. When I try to talk to them (mainly my parents) about global warming, and war, and eating healthier, things like that, they have little concern because they beleive this world and these bodies are only temporary dwelling places. Curious about others thoughts.

Im not trying to make myself out to be some kind of super hero or something- I just think that Christians need to be aware of the fact that- yes, if we all came together, there would be no war, the environment would be a whole lot nicer place to live, and the cows that we feed in this country so that we can EAT them won't eat better than the starving and dying people in other countries. Yes, we CAN make changes. Brother Micheal had the exact attitude I was talking about. Thank you BrotherMicheal!

Answer 1

Yes, some people probalby have, but that is not thed reason that Christianity was established. Christianity is based on the truth that God came to Earth in human form to give us, sinners, a chance at redemption. Anyone who uses "God is in control" as an exuse in not a Christian, and is an insult to those of us who are.

Answer 2

Absolutely!! People who are not walking close to God could use this as an excuse even though they are still Christian. Christian people don't have all the answers nor should they pretend to. What we need to realize is that Satan brought pain and suffering into this world. If we look at pre flood conditions the world was full of life and fossils created by the flood shoe that the Earth was a lot warmer than it is today so Global warming is something that will happen anyway but fossil fuels that were created as a result of Satan bringing death into the world ARE polluting the environment and this is a whole different can of worms.Rejecting God over Something Satan has done is not the right answer either and your past experience as a Christian should tell you this.Global crisis of any kind is Satan's work not Gods.God will fix it and he says so in scripture but God also uses people to work for him every day. Don't let People who make excuses destroy your personal walk with God and don't blame God for something he didn't do.Satan is the cause and God is the cure.

Answer 3

I will take into consideration that you are probably quite young yet, so I will not be too harsh. Believing that a sovereign God is in control of all things isn't an excuse, it is accepting reality. If He was not totally sovereign and in control, He would not be God and not worthy of worship. It is only the pride and arrogance of humans who think they can somehow control climate change, stop wars and create a perfect world. Sorry kiddo, ain't gonna happen. Unfortunately, you have obviously bought into the propaganda spread through the media and certain radical groups that somehow if all humanity banded together we could stop global warming, make everyone peaceful, feed all the children and shelter all the homeless. This is delusional thinking. Take global warming, if you read real scientific information, not propaganda movies put out by failed politicians, you would realize that it is the natural cycle of the earth, and that these warming and cooling cycles have been going on since creation. As far as the suffering of other people, you do know that the majority of homeless shelters, food pantries and free medical clinics are run by Christians, don't you? You do know of the missionaries who have gone to remote, destitute areas and brought clean water, food, medical help and education to those inhabitants who had none of these? If you think Christians are simply interested in putting notches in our belts for all the people we save (which we cannot do anyway), then your understanding of Christianity is wafer thin and wanting. I would suggest getting back to the book, listen to your parents and elders, get busy helping those you can with the love of Christ, not some fallacious and egotistical idea of saving the world. Your time would be better invested and you would not be worrying about things you do not control nor can change. There, that wasn't too harsh, was it?

Answer 4

That God is in control is not an excuse for people not to care. People do not care because they are selfish and lazy. How can even a Christian, not take the time to think just a little, and realize that God uses people to do good in this world? Why would Jesus feed thousands and then tell us not to because it's part of God's plan? Why would Jesus take heart on the poor and sick and then tell us not to because it's part of God's plan? That is just plain old bad reasoning, even if you are a Christian.

It is very fickle to say, "so and so was raped. Oh well, it was part of God's plan. Let me continue with my day. La-dee-da."

I would agree there was something wrong with the way you were before, but look elsewhere, not at Christianity, for the reason. Guess I won't be getting Best Answer for this response.

Answer 5

The problem is youre making an assumption that mankind is in control in the something you just said- "Changing the world." You more have the mindset of a liberal atheistic activist now that believes that humanity is in control and NOT God.

Another problem is it sounds like you were brought up with calvinism that assumes that God has determined every little detail and if you woke up with a pimple on your nose the night before your prom, or you were born poor, then it was God trying to either teach you a lesson or punish you. Not all Christians believe that at all and this world DOES need some work but that really isnt the point.

The point of life is to serve God by winning people over to Christ. That is first and formost the top priority for the believer. Mary and Martha are a good example. When Jesus came to visit them, Mary stood at his feet and listened to him while Martha busily made preparations and ignored him. Martha wanted him to rebuke her but he wouldnt stating that Mary had made the better choice by choosing him. Now I dont believe Mary was completely irresponsible but I think in the back of her mind she was thinking that the preparations werent all that important and/or someone else who didnt care as much of what Jesus had to say would pick up the slack and so it is with the world. Christians dont have to sit there and bite their nails over the environment because there are a bunch of liberal wackos doing that day and night. They care about the environment more than God and would rather spend 5 mins defending the environment than spend 2 mins worshipping God.

Do Christians have responsibilities in this world? Absolutely! Should we neglect them? No. But we should NEVER sacrifice any part of the kingdom of God for things that matter LESS. I believe your problem is you love this world more than you do God and therefore your focus is on IT now. I would greatly encourage you to turn back to God and let the liberals who dont really care for God worry and stress over their problems. Christians always do what they can to help physically but what this world needs is SPIRITUAL help and the only way to do that is to share the Gospel with them.

Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. -James 4:4

Answer 6

No, Christians have a many more responsibilities than to just spread the good news and bring more people to God. Yes, it's true that God knows all that will ever happen; but this fact has no bearing on how Christians are supposed to act while they're on this earth. They are instructed to care for their fellow mankind, as well as the earth. Unfortunately, not all the purposes are known to us; but rest assured, they're known to God.

Answer 7

God wants us to do our best . When we dont care that is giving up and doing things our own way. Gods way is never the easy road. Gods way involves getting out of our comfort zone . Ive lived in a wealthy area where the Christians gave much time and money that God gave to them using it wisely. Ive seen poor people rejoice even in poverty. God equips you for the task ahead. This life is temporary. We will be accountable with what God has provided us. Abraham, Job, David, Solomon, were wealthy. We rejoice in all situations and there are people who sleep on dirt who love the Lord and rejoice that they will someday be with Jesus in heaven.

Answer 8

Criminals do no longer pay any interest to rules... If weapons have been ever banned than only the undesirable adult men would have them..Criminals want unarmed victims!! Having a gun won't help each and all of the time yet being defenseless will by no ability help.. Calling 911 and asking the undesirable guy to attend isn't a practicable decision. greater valuable to have a gun and not prefer it than to prefer it and not have it!!! **Police do no longer safeguard you from crime, they typically only look into the crime after it occurs.** Arnie

Answer 9

I think there is a fine line, God created the Heavens and Earth. Man is to take care of God's Creation. Sometimes people of religious background have many excuses for not taking care of God's property ie. the earth, their health, kids.......

I do believe God has a plan for all of us. But we are not to ignore what is infront of us either.

Answer 10

No i don't think it that of it like that at all. God wants you to help people, that is a larger part of his teachings. God is in control, and what He wants will happen, but part of being a Christian is helping others and caring for God's creation. you misinterpreted the religion.