Questions that were never really answered when I was still a religious person

[Arkitech]

I've been a pretty devout christian for the majority of my life, but I eventually moved away from religion after doing some serious meditation on life and God. Although I do believe God exists I have no idea what his purpose or plan is for humans. At any rate what prompted me to move away from religion were a few questions that I never could find an answer for and I'm curious if other people have had similar thoughts.

If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)

If God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)


These are just a few of the things that used to bother me when I was still christian. I never really saw anyone try to explain or answer questions of that sort and if they did it was always some vague kind of response such as: God will reveal all in time; We're not meant to know those answers yet; and of course the infamous reply to all questions that can't be answered - God works in mysterious ways.

 

[thirtythree]

I don't know whether I'm christian or not anymore. I've sort of lost faith in everything. but that's a different story. here's what I've been taught:

Originally posted by: Arkitech
If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?
because god doesn't control what humans do. we were given the ability to choose and sent to this earth to be tested. some people don't make good decisions.

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)
sorry, I'm not sure what you're talking about.

if God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?
so people have to rely on faith. if he performed miracles every five minutes then there wouldn't be much to it would there?

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?
same reason as above.

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)
because god doesn't control what humans do in the name of religion. see my answer to your first question.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Don't forget the most important question of all:

Wheres the beer!?

or was it

Who shot J.R.?!


Your questions sum up why I can not understand why there are people so bent on literal interpretations of the bible.

 

[gigapet]

you ask too many questions boy now sit down and stop thinking. Listen to what we tell you god says and that is all.

 

[liv303]

It's going to take me a bit, but I'll nail down answers to your questions! Just be patient!

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
I've been a pretty devout christian for the majority of my life, but I eventually moved away from religion

I think that's a point that many christians today don't get. Religion does not equal Spirituality. Religion is man-made, it is a developed tradition, it is a cultural manifestation. It's merely a "routine" embedded into doctrine. To be a true Christian, all you need is a relationship with Christ. None of this counting beads, confession, reciting the lord's prayer, communion, fasting, etc. Those are merely symbolics, which although respectful, have no saving value.

after doing some serious meditation on life and God. Although I do believe God exists I have no idea what his purpose or plan is for humans. At any rate what prompted me to move away from religion were a few questions that I never could find an answer for and I'm curious if other people have had similar thoughts.

If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?

God gave man Choice.

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)

You'd have to give a good example to get a good answer.

If God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?

There are. Keep your eyes open. Remember at 9/11, when a "daisy chain" was created by an unknown leading person? Most miracles were never a meant to be a light show.

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?

He tried that once before. And he was killed. You have to realize as people even with visual evidence we are skeptics. Everything to us is a hoax, so why rely on our current senses when he can make his presence known in a more subtle but powerful way.

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)

Perhaps you can consider those reality checks. Too often is Religion used as an excuse to do something wrong. As true christians/believers, we have to hold our religious organizations accountable and stop being puppets.

These are just a few of the things that used to bother me when I was still christian. I never really saw anyone try to explain or answer questions of that sort and if they did it was always some vague kind of response such as: God will reveal all in time; We're not meant to know those answers yet; and of course the infamous reply to all questions that can't be answered - God works in mysterious ways.

Just curious, but what denomination were you? Catholic, Protestant? Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc.?

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Deslocke
I don't know whether I'm christian or not anymore. I've sort of lost faith in everything. but that's a different story. here's what I've been taught:

Originally posted by: Arkitech
If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?
because god doesn't control what humans do. we were given the ability to choose and sent to this earth to be tested. some people don't make good decisions.

While I agree a lot of suffering is a direct result of man's foolishness that still does'nt explain why God allows certain things to happen. Take Adam and Eve for example, they messed up and should naturally have to pay for their mistakes but does that mean the next 6-8 billion people who live after them have to continue paying for a mistake they had nothing to do with? Then you have little kids who get abused and slaughtered daily. Surely a God who is supposed to be love would have enough compassion to at least ensure innocent children who can't protect themselves have some measure of security.

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)
sorry, I'm not sure what you're talking about.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are bible accounts of humans being killed for things such as lying while Satan has caused the deaths of billions but yet he was still allowed to continue living. Something is really wrong with that scenario.


if God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?
so people have to rely on faith. if he performed miracles every five minutes then there wouldn't be much to it would there?

In the bible God would periodically perform miracles to demonstrate that he was there for his faithful servants. Supposedly this was to bolster the faith of his servants and also to serve as notice to others that he indeed was a powerful God who should be worshipped. With that in mind considering we're living in times where people need more encouragement than ever before why would those miracles now cease? People still had to faith in bible times but yet there were miracles to strengthen them, why do we no longer see those things now?

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?
same reason as above.

Doubt about God is at a all time high, why would God not choose to make himself known when this is close to mankinds greatest hour of need?

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)
because god doesn't control what humans do in the name of religion. see my answer to your first question.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Because Christianity is nonsense.

 

[thirtythree]

Arkitech: I didn't read your response to me. I'm not looking to argue with you or anything. I just wanted to tell you what I've been taught (and don't necessarily believe).

 

[dman]

I'm not very religious, but, the answers you will get (if any) will boil down to it's 'God's will'.

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: Arkitech
I've been a pretty devout christian for the majority of my life, but I eventually moved away from religion

I think that's a point that many christians today don't get. Religion does not equal Spirituality. Religion is man-made, it is a developed tradition, it is a cultural manifestation. It's merely a "routine" embedded into doctrine. To be a true Christian, all you need is a relationship with Christ. None of this counting beads, confession, reciting the lord's prayer, communion, fasting, etc. Those are merely symbolics, which although respectful, have no saving value.

after doing some serious meditation on life and God. Although I do believe God exists I have no idea what his purpose or plan is for humans. At any rate what prompted me to move away from religion were a few questions that I never could find an answer for and I'm curious if other people have had similar thoughts.

If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?

God gave man Choice.

But it has to go beyond just man having a choice. In actuality Satan, Adam and Eve really made the only choices that matter, their actions put the world in the condition that it's in today. Because of Adam and Eve mankind was infected with sin, so basically after Adam no other man would have the ability to consistently make the right choice or decision in every situation. While there are examples of men who were exemplary in their service to God they seem to be rare rather than the norm. And as if sin was'nt enough Satan and his squad of demons are hell bent (pun intended) on ensuring that every human is blinded and misguided. With that in mind can you blame certain people for the way that they turned out. Obviously someone needs to step in and reverse the situation if every man and woman is to have a FAIR chance at proving themselves good or bad.

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)

You'd have to give a good example to get a good answer.

See my response to Deslocke on that one

If God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?

There are. Keep your eyes open. Remember at 9/11, when a "daisy chain" was created by an unknown leading person? Most miracles were never a meant to be a light show.

While I'm no authority on miracles by any means I do know that in the bible miracles were easily recognizable as to who they were from and they were'nt so subtle that only a small number of people knew what they were. (parting the red sea, mannah from the heavens, handwriting on walls, etc.) What would a miracle be if it could be attributed to something else? It would'nt really be a miracle. In the bible God clearly made it known he was responsible for whatever miracle that took place, not everyone heeded them obviously but at least they were there for many to see and react to them as they deemed appropriate

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?

He tried that once before. And he was killed. You have to realize as people even with visual evidence we are skeptics. Everything to us is a hoax, so why rely on our current senses when he can make his presence known in a more subtle but powerful way.

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)

Perhaps you can consider those reality checks. Too often is Religion used as an excuse to do something wrong. As true christians/believers, we have to hold our religious organizations accountable and stop being puppets.

Maybe you're right, but at this point I not only doubt religion but I also doubt the bible as well.

These are just a few of the things that used to bother me when I was still christian. I never really saw anyone try to explain or answer questions of that sort and if they did it was always some vague kind of response such as: God will reveal all in time; We're not meant to know those answers yet; and of course the infamous reply to all questions that can't be answered - God works in mysterious ways.

Just curious, but what denomination were you? Catholic, Protestant? Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc.?

I used to be a Jehovah's Witness

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Deslocke
Arkitech: I didn't read your response to me. I'm not looking to argue with you or anything. I just wanted to tell you what I've been taught (and don't necessarily believe).

Thats cool I'm not looking to argue either but I'm always open to a discussion or exchange of ideas. I guess thats part of the problem it really should'nt matter what you and I both believe or think, it really should only be one set of rules and thinking to follow if its God's arrangement. Unfortunately thats where the problem comes in, every group and individual thinks they know what God has intended for mankind to be doing. Thats why there are hundreds of different christian religions and then there's the variou non-christian groups. Who's right, who's wrong? It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

I used to be a Jehovah's Witness

That explains it. Talk about a religious scam...

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

lol you're right

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

Perhaps, but I'm sure the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-christian religions may argue against it. Did the 10 commandments really exist? How do we really know if they did or did'nt?

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: Arkitech

I used to be a Jehovah's Witness

That explains it. Talk about a religious scam...

About the same as other groups I guess, everyone has their own views and understandings

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

Perhaps, but I'm sure the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-christian religions may argue against it. Did the 10 commandments really exist? How do we really know if they did or did'nt?

dont the 10 commandments pretty much hold true through all major religions?

 

[CrazyPerson]

I know I am going to hell

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

Perhaps, but I'm sure the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-christian religions may argue against it. Did the 10 commandments really exist? How do we really know if they did or did'nt?

dont the 10 commandments pretty much hold true through all major religions?

Good question, I never heard of it being the same before though.

 

[jjones]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
I've been a pretty devout christian for the majority of my life, but I eventually moved away from religion after doing some serious meditation on life and God. Although I do believe God exists I have no idea what his purpose or plan is for humans. At any rate what prompted me to move away from religion were a few questions that I never could find an answer for and I'm curious if other people have had similar thoughts.

If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)

If God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)


These are just a few of the things that used to bother me when I was still christian. I never really saw anyone try to explain or answer questions of that sort and if they did it was always some vague kind of response such as: God will reveal all in time; We're not meant to know those answers yet; and of course the infamous reply to all questions that can't be answered - God works in mysterious ways.

To answer your questions from my POV:

1) God is indifferent to the goings on of man.

2) The bible has stories. That's all they are but they usually have some kind of moral point to them.

3) See the first answer.

4) See the first answer.

5) See the first answer. Organized religions are not God's instruments.

I don't believe in a God of the nature that is taught by classical religious theology. God is everything and we are all a part of God. We are each God and God only cares to the extent that each of us cares.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

Perhaps, but I'm sure the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-christian religions may argue against it. Did the 10 commandments really exist? How do we really know if they did or did'nt?

dont the 10 commandments pretty much hold true through all major religions?

That's a pretty good point. Regardless of where the 10 commandments came from, if you pick apart each commandment and evaluate the cause and effect of following the commandment, you'd realize with them the world is a much better place. Even in a secular world.

 

[Ynog]

I will also explain what I have learned.

Originally posted by: Arkitech

If God is all powerful and loving why is the world in the condition its in today?

I won't argue that God is all powerful, but I am not sure he all loving.
Remember he gave use the ability to choose. But once Adam and Eve
committed original sin, they were kicked out of paradise. And all loving
have you read the Book of Job. Not to mention Noah's Ark. Wiping out the world
isn't my view of all loving.

Why in the bible are there accounts of humans who have been disobedient and killed immediately while there are thousands of rogue angels (Satan and the demons) still alive who have committed sins far worse than any human could ever do? (I hope that question made sense)

Thats a good question. While reading much of the Bible and books related to the War between Angels
When Satan and the other Angels revolted in Heaven. He could have wiped them
all out. But what he did was IMHO far worse. During the battle, he made it so the Rogue
Angels could feel pain while the other Angels didn't feel pain (thats a fair fight). When God finally
tired of that idea, afraid the war would destroy Heaven, he sent the Son who basically forced the
Rogue Angels into hell. Which is a place of unbelievable torcher and pain. And as I remember
its that way for the Rogue Angels including Satan, as well as people that go there.
A place where it would have been better to have been destroyed then spend
the rest of eternity. Not my view of getting off easy. And though Satan and Demons
might tempt humans, its still humans that commit the sins they commit.

If God is really interested in seeing mankind attain everlasting life (whether in heaven or earthly paradise) why are there no miracles today like there was in the bible?

During a time when so many people don't believe in God why does'nt he make his prescence (sp?) known so that all might have the opportunity to know he exists?

I think these both fit into the same category. I believe when we have miracles and God makes his prescences seen,
he doesn't do it with Flashy lights with bells and whisles. And like other have pointed out. Everyone is so skeptical
(with probably good right) that everything is immediately dismissed.

If there are sincere people who really want to learn about God and do the right thing, why would God allow so many religious organizations to commit crimes in his name? (child-molesting priests/ministers, millionaire TV evangelists, Spanish inquisiton, Hitlers rise to power, Protestants vs Catholics, etc.)

Again I think God really only had two modes when it comes to dealing with Earth. Death and
Nothing. He sent his Son to deal with us once. And how did that end up. Jesus had to sacrifice
himself to save us. Oh ya back to the God might not be all loving. I think if God was to deal
with that problem it would another lets start with a clean slate mass extinction.


Also Religion has alot of trouble explaining things.

The Catholic Church is just beginning to admit its old ideas are wrong. I mean it used to believe the
Earth was only Tens of thousands of years old. We know thats wrong.
Dinosaurs. How do you explain them? Evolution? The list goes on. But those are all separate issues.

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: Arkitech It seems the only way to handle problems like this is for God to actually state who he is and what he expects of people.

wasnt that the ten commandments?

Perhaps, but I'm sure the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other non-christian religions may argue against it. Did the 10 commandments really exist? How do we really know if they did or did'nt?

dont the 10 commandments pretty much hold true through all major religions?

That's a pretty good point. Regardless of where the 10 commandments came from, if you pick apart each commandment and evaluate the cause and effect of following the commandment, you'd realize with them the world is a much better place. Even in a secular world.

so is it coincidence that all major religions have the same "beginning", The same symbolic references and the same moral code?

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
That's a pretty good point. Regardless of where the 10 commandments came from, if you pick apart each commandment and evaluate the cause and effect of following the commandment, you'd realize with them the world is a much better place. Even in a secular world.

I agree. for me at least, I think it is easy to figure out what's wrong and what's right. I don't worry about what is a sin and what isn't. I think to myself: how is this going to affect me and the people around me now and in the long run? if no one is going to be hurt by it then what's the problem?