According to Revelations, Satan sinned in heaven. Which means he must have had Free Will to do so.
Some angels betrayed God in Heaven. Which could only have been done with Free Will.
When I ask questions about why bad things happen, why God allows bad things to happen, almost every Christian starts to tell me that's because of our Free Will. Yet heaven seems to be a 'perfect place' where we also will have Free Will, but there won't be any badness there.
I can't find the logic in this. Anybody care to explain?
2007-03-11 13:56:12 · 13 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you're looking for logic in theology, maybe next you can find the contact lens I just lost in the hot tub.
God is supposed to be omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent - otherwise, He'd be a poor sort of God. But it would obviously be impossible to "rebel" against such a Being. If you did, it would only be part of His "plan" - He would've created you with the germ of your rebellion already within you. Nor can you blame it on Satan, because the same remarks apply! If Satan possesses any power over man, it is obviously only a function of the power of the all-powerful God, executed at the Latter's will. "Demon est deus inversus." "Free will" on the part of any being is impossible, or at least illusory, if God is all-knowing. The universe is reduced to a puppet-show.
The regular "Christian" concept of God, as evidenced on these boards, is that of a stern but loving Parent; so I suppose it's absolutely orthodox to describe it as puerile and simplistic.
2007-03-11 14:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by jonjon418 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is an imperfect world. After Adam sinned against God, this world has had its share of bad news. Satan also creates havoc on this earth. God can change bad things into things for His glory.
By free will, it means that ignorant or evil man commit evil against mankind and God, and bring forth suffering to others. Some suffering is due to accidents, or sicknesses, all not caused by God.
When God creates a new heaven and a new earth, there will be no more evil. God's ways are higher than our ways and logic is faulty also. God is higher than logic. We are just brainwashed into thinking that logic is the all supreme thing in the universe.
God loves you and wants you to turn towards Him. Repent and be baptised in Jesus name. Bad things happen because of Satan, other man or being allowed by God. God delights in blessing, but there are other forces in the earth who want to thwart God's plan.
2007-03-11 21:05:58 · answer #2 · answered by Simple 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The alternative to "free will" is predestination. Here is the logic: If everything is predestined, including the "bad things", God must not be very kind or just, therefore, bad things happen because we bring them on ourselves through the exercise of "free will." Otherwise, we have to assume God is unkind and unjust. It is more comfortable to believe in "free will" than to believe in an unjust, unkind God. It is easy enough to accept that we, as humans, are imperfect.
2007-03-11 21:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by jpturboprop 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So you think God should have everyone by the ear leading them around, stepping in and shaking His finger at people when they start to get out of line? He is not interested in having puppets, He wants faithful, obedient children who follow Him because of their love for Him, and because He is their God. We have a choice, follow the desire of the flesh, which makes us slaves of sin and death, or become a bond-slave to Him, serving Him not because He makes us, but because we know our place and we love Him, because we know He loves us. People are too short-sighted, especially nowadays, because we cannot see past this present life, which is not even a drop in the bucket when compared with eternity.
2007-03-11 21:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by W J 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When God has selected those that will join Him in Heaven He will "cure" us of all our shortcomings. There will be no pain, hurt, sickness, etc. God is Holy and we will be too.
Unfortunately, we're all still here on earth where bad things do happen. When bad things do happen, as a Christian, I can lean on God to get me through whatever "bad" thing has happened. I know I've personally grown from the result of bad things. God gives me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to be patient, empathetic, forgiving and kind.
Do you ever notice that the sun shines through dark clouds, making them radiant?
2007-03-11 21:05:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Best I can offer is Calvinist apologetics. You may not agree with the theology, but I think it offers best answer to your dilemma. And it's not the double predestination or the total lack of free will many people think it is.
2007-03-12 11:44:21 · answer #6 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont blame God for the bad things that happen. Bad things happen because of choices we make. Bad things happen when we dont listen to God
2007-03-11 21:00:09 · answer #7 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because there are natural consequences to our actions. God doesn't make bad things happen...
Where is the logic in YOUR thought process about this???
2007-03-11 21:05:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
There's nothing in the Bible or in the Christian religion that says it's God's job to see to it that nothing bad happens.
2007-03-11 21:00:33 · answer #9 · answered by kscottmccormick 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How about this for logic. Humans start wars, humans pollute the earth, humans engage in acts that result in illness, insanity. It's your old you reap what you sow theory.
If you smite anyone, even a Christian, chances are he will hit you back.
Now are you referring to yourself? What bad thing did God allowed to happen to you? You can even email me.
2007-03-11 21:01:54 · answer #10 · answered by Imogen Sue 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋