Because it is, of course, part of his divine will. My question is .... is it still considered sinning if the actions you take effect your life and everyone around you, and play a role in god's plan for all the aforementioned's lives? For example, if someone murders your parents, but their death leads you to become a christian and gives you the capability to witness to and convert those who have lost close family members in a similar way, was that murder really a sin? Or was it just doing god's work?
2007-03-01 16:54:26 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, most christians feel that "winning souls" is their god-given purpose. That's basically who I'm addressing this question to.
By the way, if I believed in a god, I wouldn't think that converting anyone was doing its work, either.
2007-03-01 17:03:47 · update #1
This is the very nature of the question of sin and/or redemption that was asked of J.R.R. Tolkien with respect to the actions of Gollum at the end of Lord of the Rings. Gollum performs an action that, in itself, is wicked. He attacks Frodo and steals the One Ring for himself. In so doing, he destroys himself and the One Ring, saving Middle Earth from Sauron and also saving Frodo from utter ruin he would have faced had Gollum not done what he did. It was a wicked action, and Gollum is not redeemed in doing it, and yet, by so doing, great good was done for Middle Earth in removing Sauron.
There are many who argue that Gollum should be cleansed by his action--he gave his life and also directly saved Middle Earth from Sauron (if he had not taken action, Frodo, having claimed the Ring and possessing it, would attempt to use it. He was, in this endeavor, no match for Sauron, who would have taken it easily from him and been more powerful and invincible than ever in so doing.) Gollum did God's work, but personally, Gollum does not see God. He dies "in persistent wickedness" in Tolkien's words, but Tolkien does not presume to judge Gollum in God's despite, leaving the final disposition of his soul undeclared (he says that "he cannot say" as to Gollum's final judgement.)
Tolkien was a devout Catholic and Lord of the Rings was "consciously in the revision" written adhering to his Catholic principles. He addresses this question in his Letters, and many have addressed it on countless Lord of the Rings fan message boards...just thought you might be interested in this application of the inadvertent good done by evil (a favorite Tolkien theme).
2007-03-01 17:09:53 · answer #1 · answered by Black Dog 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the ultimate questions.
Some believe that all would ultimately be saved by God's grace which is infinite.
One could go so far as to say the devil was doing God's will by testing mankind for God.
With free will people can mess up, but can turn their bad experiences into learning.
Your for instance is an excellent example.
However if one was the victim and not the sinner, they are making the best out of their situation, I don't think that it really negates the sin of the person who committed the crime, but it shows that the victim was able to turn adversity into triumph.
The murder was ultimately still a murder.
2007-03-01 17:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by inzaratha 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The murder would be a sin for those who committed the murder. But, because God loves his children (Christians) He will cause a bad situation to work together for the good of those who love Him.
Example: A woman's husband leaves her for another woman (adultry). The man has committed a sin. Which is not a blessing. The man can be forgiven though. God can cause the woman to meet someone else who really loves her (a blessing).
What Satan means to destroy you, God brings blessings to you if you love Him and follow His Son.
2007-03-01 17:05:39 · answer #3 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's still a sin. God just used it to open up the eyes of one and it returns as a blessing by salvation. The murder in itself is still sin. This is why there is Forgiveness and Grace , so that we can carry on in Gods love and comfort, and be a shinning light to the world.
2007-03-01 17:02:17 · answer #4 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God does turn bad into good. But someone still has to pay for the sin since God is just.
2007-03-01 17:13:51 · answer #5 · answered by A follower of Christ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this the same God that placed the doorway to sin in front of innocent people and then quietly slipped away while his minion then enticed those without judgment to learn what it was all about?
Why stop there? Maybe it's just an ongoing character flaw.
2007-03-01 17:20:13 · answer #6 · answered by Cheshire Cat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
each and every human has their weak spot and temptation or perhaps even addictions. those are puzzling to overcome yet do no longer unfastened desire. paintings on it common and easily with the potential of Jesus can u get extra effective. yet in simple terms understand that improving does no longer mean struggling with for ever. you will fall back each and every each and every now and then yet we at the instant are not suitable. God is acquainted with that and nonetheless loves us. with the help of prayer and analyzing the bible and standard turning out to be extra on the brink of the holy spirit you have help. undergo in strategies that god forgives you and that common is a clean day! The enemy needs you to sense guilt and shame yet pray against it. God isn't that form of god. he's loving and forgiving. existence is puzzling yet take one step at a time with Jesus .
2016-10-02 06:05:07 · answer #7 · answered by Erika 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course killing is sin. But what is the great thing that Jesus died for all of our sins: past, present and future. It would not be only difficult to go to heaven without Jesus making the way, it would be impossible.
When one kills someone, they also take that person's change to give their life for Christ in the future if they have not done so. That is so important that we are ready. We ALL die one way or another.
2007-03-01 17:09:10 · answer #8 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"takes a bad situation ... turns it into a blessing"
l'd rather think that God has the initiative. He is in no position to play catch-up.
This page is interesting...
"Do We Really Have 'Free Will?'" http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/freewill.htm
and
"Why Did God Create Human Beings?"
http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/createhumans.htm
2007-03-01 17:42:19 · answer #9 · answered by sincere12_26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another hypothetical... ho humm.
Yeah.... well, you've probably heard a lot of dumb things from Christians, haven't you. Why choose this dumb thing to concentrate on - it makes about as much sense and believing that dead people aren't ever completely dead. Nonsense.
You'd do better as a young person to study and master a science or an art.... move on.... in fact, run like hell from this stupid religious crap. Read literature; not Holy Books.
[][][] r u randy? [][][]
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POST SCRIPT to Spacebunn...: How very, very interesting. Thank you.
2007-03-01 17:04:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋