I liked your explanation in regard to atheism. I remember hearing a member of the clergy saying something like this: "I've never understood atheists saying there is no God. God does not exist. But, if you know that HE doesn't exist, why is it so important to disprove His existence? You must believe there is a possibility that HE does." I know this reflection's focus is not "atheism" per se; however, I find myself saying "I, too, can be an "unintentional atheist". Oh my! How would I ever explain that to my friends and family?! Oh, right, that's why I have my earthly "Good Shepherd"...YOU. As always, thank you for letting me know..."It's ok. God understands you. HE loves you."
Well-timed and thoughtful, as always. "In a world of abundance why is anyone hungry? Why is there so much needless suffering? The Creator did not have such a world in mind." This is where I find myself questioning and stumbling. Asking the whys. If the world is so misaligned with His vision, why does God not simply make it so?
My own cynicism results largely from weariness. I'm settled in thinking that God has chosen to work in and through us. It's just that I need an encouraging word and a committed friend to stop my slide into discouragement and move me back into action.
Interesting and thoughtful read. I don’t believe that because we stumble on our way with God and following Jesus that our doubts and/or moments of cynicism automatically project us into a descent towards atheism. The Lord challenges us to ask questions, and ultimately as you note, to know that He didn’t end for all the hard things of the world but such is and such was the need for Jesus and now for us to keep moving forward as His hands and feet.
Thanks, Joelle! I believe we agree about the role of doubt in faith. However, I confess an over-fondness for hyperbole. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not so much.
I liked the way you explained this, I found it interesting, I believe in God as does my husband but our children and grandchildren say they don't, this upsets my husband me not so much as I believe Gods loves us all even those who say he doesn't exist
I liked your explanation in regard to atheism. I remember hearing a member of the clergy saying something like this: "I've never understood atheists saying there is no God. God does not exist. But, if you know that HE doesn't exist, why is it so important to disprove His existence? You must believe there is a possibility that HE does." I know this reflection's focus is not "atheism" per se; however, I find myself saying "I, too, can be an "unintentional atheist". Oh my! How would I ever explain that to my friends and family?! Oh, right, that's why I have my earthly "Good Shepherd"...YOU. As always, thank you for letting me know..."It's ok. God understands you. HE loves you."
Continued Eastertide blessings, Diane!
Well-timed and thoughtful, as always. "In a world of abundance why is anyone hungry? Why is there so much needless suffering? The Creator did not have such a world in mind." This is where I find myself questioning and stumbling. Asking the whys. If the world is so misaligned with His vision, why does God not simply make it so?
My own cynicism results largely from weariness. I'm settled in thinking that God has chosen to work in and through us. It's just that I need an encouraging word and a committed friend to stop my slide into discouragement and move me back into action.
Interesting and thoughtful read. I don’t believe that because we stumble on our way with God and following Jesus that our doubts and/or moments of cynicism automatically project us into a descent towards atheism. The Lord challenges us to ask questions, and ultimately as you note, to know that He didn’t end for all the hard things of the world but such is and such was the need for Jesus and now for us to keep moving forward as His hands and feet.
Thanks, Joelle! I believe we agree about the role of doubt in faith. However, I confess an over-fondness for hyperbole. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not so much.
Of course, so your words make us smile and challenge us in hyperbole. That is a gift.
I liked the way you explained this, I found it interesting, I believe in God as does my husband but our children and grandchildren say they don't, this upsets my husband me not so much as I believe Gods loves us all even those who say he doesn't exist
Indeed God does love us. God keeps believing in us even when we don't believe in God.