” However, I don’t think a god can be purely benevolent and allow the suffering. Surely there is a way to give free will without the innocent suffering.”
God is benevolent and forgiving. I have been the recipient of both on more occasions than I could ever recount here. He is also capable of righteous anger, for which I don’t blame Him (at all).
What we have come to believe, and I DON’T understand, is that we have a “right” to make our decisions and NOT have to accept the consequences. It seems that this is a legacy going all the way back. Children are the only “innocents” and they are the greatest examples of our “pain and loss” choices. It doesn’t have to be an earthquake that takes your child from you and not many would want to hear that it is part and parcel of our rejection of God’s plan. We want to blame something or someone else. We have no interest in personal accountability.
We are all just so smart- too intelligent, by far, to believe in God. We are just doing it so right on our own, aren’t we? This world, outside of God’s protection, has “bear traps” set precisely with the purpose of removing us from God or, even, to foster hatred for Him. Our self-importance doesn’t even allow us to see how we are used as a means to an end. And yes, I AM speaking of the devil here ( I believe he is true as well). In the great cosmic battle, we are the purpose on one side, and ammunition on the other.
Ultimately, I believe. I know you believe you are right, also. And it’s all good. We all make our way the best that we can. I also know that my belief won’t stop bad things from happening in my life. But my faith enables me to understand and gives me hope for the life beyond this one.
“Anything sounds cool in Latin”
LOL! I agree! But the only thing I remember from my Latin (a LOT of years ago) is “agricola, agricolas, agricolorum”
I don't get that either. From my POV you have a full accounting for your actions since there's no penance or confession or indulgence to wash away the guilt. There can be no forgiveness except from the person you've wronged, and if he is not so inclined, you're screwed.
Children are the only “innocents”
Nope. Original Sin. OTOH, the effect of Original Sin varies widely among Christians, so I can't say absolutely whether children could be innocent under your specific understanding.
We are just doing it so right on our own, aren’t we?
We weren't doing too well under God either. In fact, I'd think we're far better off now than in the more religious times of a few hundred years ago.
I know you believe you are right, also.
It's not quite so concrete. I don't "know" that I am right. I may be wrong. I can't claim ultimate truth because nobody knows everything. It is simply that nobody has been able to show sufficient evidence and argument to me otherwise. You can tell I'm not too into the faith thing, religious or otherwise.
LOL! I agree! But the only thing I remember from my Latin (a LOT of years ago) is “agricola, agricolas, agricolorum”
Dead Poet's Society? :)