+48 Authority figures often must enforce consequences for bad behavior. But you cannot support an authority figure who constantly tests his subjects with great afflictions: consistently presenting them with difficulties; purposely causing them distress; allowing horrific conditions to persist that could easily be circumvented; turning a blind eye to immeasurable suffering. Especially when the despot claims that these atrocities are a sign of love. Amirite?

by Anonymous 10 years ago

ah but that's just one side of things what about all the fun stuff that happens? I mean it's easy to believe when things are going swell

by Anonymous 11 years ago

This depends. Is it the most difficult part of life, or preparation for something even more difficult that cannot be circumvented? If the latter, then it makes perfect sense. If the former, you're entirely right.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I know I liked you. Almost had me there. OK coach give me your worst...no wait a minute, I changed my mind, I don't want to play in the big game. Ill just sit in the stands and watch...what? I still have to do all the calisthenics and suffer like everyone else? I don't want to play! "Too bad wimp, drop and give me 50!"

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I don't understand what you mean. Could you give more context for the scenario you gave?

by Anonymous 11 years ago

An example of your latter case would be a football coach getting ready for the superbowl. (S)he would need to really need to present the team with challenges to prepare them for the game. I choose not to play. I'll just watch. So I don't need to do the drills.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

So you're referring to obstacles put intentionally in the way of even those who do not need to prepare for anything? Then I agree.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

For one, nobody says they are signs of love for us, they are tests of love towards God...or moreso faith Who is the one turning a blind eye to suffering? What good does it do us as people if some omnipotent power just fixes all our problems? Why can't we be expected to deal with them? Also, as an everyday, firstworld, average Joe, I can say I haven't been through too many "great afflictions" and the people that do go through these things aren't forsaken. They have people like you and me to help...we are God's way of fixing those problems. Unless you can say that you go to Africa and hand out water bottles and malaria nets to orphan children, you shouldn't be judging the world or drawing conclusions about higher powers based on worldly problems.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Fine. But then we don't need a god. We are already doing this, there is no need to show "him" love as long as we work toward fixing the problems. When I am done handing out water bottles and nutritious meals in my own neighborhood I will consider Africa.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

What does it mean to not need a god? Maybe we don't need him to do the work that we should be doing, but (adopting a Christian mindset) we do need him so that there is a world to begin with, so that there is a life after death, and so that we can have bodies...to me, those things are vital so I need a god, even if you don't

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I'm sorry, maybe someday you won't.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Lord Acton was right.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Man I'm such an atheist. I didn't know who were referring to until I read the comments. I'm like "does Kim Jong-un tell the North Koreans that he loves them"?

by Anonymous 11 years ago

He does these things to shape our life and make us into stronger people. I honestly can't imagine who I'd be without all the hard times I've gone through. They've changed me and made me appreciate things more. They've taught me how to deal with certain situations and people. They've given me experience in general. I really do believe that everything happens for a reason

by Anonymous 10 years ago