If there is a God then why does he punish good people?

Question

Why does he punish harmless people, there are people that are homeless, that are struggly with AIDs, childern being molested by preists, ect. He sends people to Hell just for not believing in him, even if they are good people. He just doesn't seem like a nice person.
And don't answer with "God works in misterious ways" That's not a good answer.

But didn't God put AIDS, molesters, and all the other things that are bad on earth? Didn't he create everything? That would have to mean then he is no better than the devil. If he was such a good doer like the bible claims then wouldn't he be doing good things rather then all of these bad things? Please explain.

Answer 1

I think most thinking people have been where you are. I've been all over the place with this. I grew up in a devout Catholic home; daily mass, rosary after dinner, etc. I attended seminary for a while. So, I guess you could say I've studied a bit. Of course, that doesn't mean I have an answer either.

I believe strongly that God exists and that God does have a plan for us on earth and a place for us in heaven. I know He brings trials, I live them daily. He also brings joy. I have that too. My trials have made me stronger, that I know too. Maybe that's why He brings trials and difficulties into our lives; to make us better people and more deserving of that place in heaven He has prepared for us. Maybe.

See, a couple years ago, I lived through a parent's worst nightmare. I lost a child. A beautiful, loving, intelligent, funny 16 year old girl. Challenged me a LOT. I also had a child suffer a brain injury and lose much of her normal function. More challenges.... I know I'm not perfect. I know I'm not worthy of heaven. But my faith tells me that my daughter is with God in heaven, and that those of us here on earth are stronger and better people for living through this experience. Is that why God allowed this to happen? He knew that my little girl was ready for heaven so He took her, and by taking her it helps the rest of us prepare for heaven because we change our lives? I don't know for sure. Sfter all, He is God! I am just an imperfect man. So, how's that? I still don't know...


Don't stop exploring this question. It's a fundamental part of who we are as human beings (that's why you're thinking about it so much). I suggest you talk to a priest, minister, rabbi, etc. Maybe you and a friend or family member can make an appointment together to discuss these questions with someone in person; someone who might be more likely to help than anonymous strangers on the internet. Do yourself a favor though.....don't expect answers right away and don't stop asking! It truly is a life journey.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Why do you blame God for all the suffering in the world?
The Bible says that God is love and that when a king from the OT passed his sons and daughters through fire God said that that didn't even cross his mind. After we die there's nothing that survives. Thus, there is no fiery hell.
God gave us the possibility to choose what we want to do. Unfortunately Adam and Eve chose disobedience. This is why we suffer, get old and die. So, what caused suffering? Adam's wrong decision and Satan, the ruler of this world.
The Bible says that soon God will make a change and that there will be no more suffering or death (Rev. 21:4).
God works in mysterious ways for those who don't know the truth. God told us how things are and why they happen in the Bible. Only a sincere study of the Holy Scriptures can make us understand what is really going on.

Answer 3

God will take care of the people that love him. I talk with him every day. My wife was very sick and need an operation and our insurance wouldn't cover it. So I was on here and answered a question from Daryl5454 and he ask me to e-mail him.
And I did, to make a long story short he made some phone calls and my wife got the operation.she is mu ch better now. So god does work in mysterious ways. I didn't know if the guy was tell the truth until the doctor came and told us he would do it for free. So was this god at work?

Answer 4

This is one of the fundamental problems with the Christian belief of god being so loving and benevolent

If a 1 year old baby dies of aids will it go to heaven or hell?

I guess the normal Christian belief is that it will go to heaven, but if that is the case then why is it that most people have their whole lives to prove they are worthy while a baby who doesn't understand the concept of god gets to go to heaven without meeting god's criteria...

All religions fail if you look at them critically enough, the premise that it is all about faith and if you believe then you will be saved is the ultimate cop out.

However, if you look at religions and their function in society then you realise that they do actually perform an important role and that we shouldn't try too hard to convince people their beliefs mean nothing as long as they aren't hurting anyone. Live and let live etc...

Answer 5

You're right - Christianity doesn't make sense. Maybe there is a god but he isn't omnipotent? He/she wants to help people but can't. Of course the Christians won't accept that but s*d them.

Or: The universe is really really really really big and we are like ants compared to it. No wait - we are like bits of dust. Do you go around spending your time trying to help ants find food? Maybe God is like you.

capitalctu - that's a good point: "pleading ignorance is no defence" however I disagree. I think punishing the ignorant, actually, *isn't* just at all. The only reason we do it is because everyone who has to face criminal charges would always say: "oh, I didn't know what the law was" and would get let off the hook. We can't read their minds and differentiate the liars from the truly ignorant so we just have to say "tough, you should have known". God, if he exists like you say, can read our minds.

Answer 6

Alright, you're going the same thing as what I'm thinking about, and well... I persume you're a non believer because of the question you're asking.
I'm a non believer and that question also comes up to my mind. I feel the same way as you do, but I'm just gonna say what I have heard from many Christians and also my opinion what I feel.
Well the reality of the world is this, there are so many homeless, all sorts of bad things going on, and yet most of us don't do anything to save these poor people. We tend to blame God because he is supposedly the one who saves all humanity because he is a kind person.
God does his works through people. He needs his disciples and children (Believers) to make a move, and then God starts his works and saves these people from poverty. As what christianity is all about, it's about helping people who are in need and they will be free through the believers of God.
If you still don't understand this, you might want to ask a Christian to explain it

Answer 7

We don't know why each is chosen for their heavenly life early. In the same way the truest amongst us was also chosen to suffer and depart us early. their joy awaits them upon resurection. God has the last word on death. If you listen he will tell you the truth. Some have been dismissed from the hospital we call earth. We still roam the halls, smell the medicines, eat the green beans and jello on the plastic trays. They enjoy picnics, breathing the spring air and run knee high through the flowers. They have no pain, doubt or struggle. Sometimes their struggles are meant to make us question and think. It is but a brief struggle and brief pain compared to the eternity they will receive. Please remember. God knows the sorrow of the grave. He burried his son. But he also knows the joy of reurection. And by his power, you will too. Remember to look to Christ for your answers he too suffered and it was gods son.

Answer 8

You are in good company. Every Atheist has asked this very same question. If "God" is so omnipotent why all the suffering?

Some say that there is a Heaven and Hell and some say that HELL is right here on earth.

Perhaps it is as Einstein theorized. "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Peace.

Answer 9

In Matthew 5:45, it tells us it rains on the just and the unjust alike. God is no respector of persons. Also, God allows the laws of nature to occur. Therefore, bad things happen to good people and vice versa. Bad people will be punished one day very soon. God's Word says " I will not be mocked".

Answer 10

God created people and SIV. People make bad choices to become molestors. SIV (Simean Immunovirus) breached the monkey/man barrier and mutated to become HIV. As for sending people to Hell for not believing in Him, that's like using the ignorance defense. Ignorance of the law is no defense in court. You still get a speeding ticket if you get caught speeding. Its called justice. Justice isn't fair, but it is just. (btw - I would ask you to define 'good' without an objective frame of reference...)