Philosophy Discussion Forums

If someone says they believe in God but then complains about things not going their way, it's kinda like saying God made a mistake. I believe God has a reason for everything, even if we can't figure it out right away.

how can a powerful, all-knowing God allow suffering to exist? For some believers, it paints God as a bit…well, incompetent. Like, if you're truly all-powerful, shouldn't the world be sunshine and rainbows?

But hold on! Different religions and philosophies have different takes on this. Some believe suffering is part of a grand plan, a test we all have to go through. Others say it's simply beyond our human understanding – like trying to explain advanced math to a goldfish.

This is not something I agree with. But as you mentioned, many others shared these doubts up until they read your book. As I read, hopefully my uncertainty will be dispelled.

Onyinyechi Obi wrote: ↑March 14th, 2024, 2:23 am I do not believe in this statement. However just like you said a lot of people had same doubt till the read your book. I’m currently reading now I hope my doubt is cleared

I agree with what you said. Nevertheless, I have read the book and I still don't agree. It might just be my personal opinion though.

The statement you’ve shared indeed touches on a profound and complex theological debate known as theodicy, which explores the problem of evil in the context of divine omnipotence and benevolence. The question of why an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God would permit suffering and imperfection in the world has been a subject of contemplation across various religious and philosophical traditions.

Some perspectives suggest that suffering can lead to spiritual growth, serve as a test of faith, or contribute to a greater good that may not be immediately apparent to human understanding. Others propose the concept of free will, arguing that God has given humans the freedom to make choices, and suffering is a consequence of these choices rather than a reflection of divine inadequacy.

On the other hand, some question the existence of an all-powerful and benevolent deity given the prevalence of suffering and argue that it may indicate limitations in divine power, knowledge, or goodness.

I firmly believe in the existence of an omnipotent God and reject the concept of 'should-not-have-ness.' My belief is rooted in the understanding that God's ways are unique, and anything that seems adverse will ultimately turn out for the better if we are patient. Therefore, I agree with your viewpoint that those who affirm the existence of an all-powerful God and also acknowledge the concept of 'should-not-have-ness' are essentially suggesting that God made a mistake.

Your perspective on "should-ness" and "should-not-have-ness" is thought-provoking, particularly in the context of belief in an all-powerful creator God. Your view aligns with a form of philosophical determinism or radical acceptance, where the world and its events are seen as inherently perfect and beyond reproach. This perspective suggests that questioning or wishing for a different reality implies a judgment against the creator, which you find inconsistent for believers in an all-powerful, benevolent deity.
let's take a look at these few pints;

Determinism vs. Free Will: Your perspective leans towards determinism, where everything that happens is exactly as it should be. However, many religious believers, including those who believe in an all-powerful God, also believe in free will. They might argue that while the world is created by God, human actions within it can still be subject to moral judgment and should-ness, as these actions are freely chosen and not preordained by God.

Human Perspective on Perfection: The idea that the world is perfect as it is can be comforting and aligns with some spiritual and philosophical traditions. However, many people, including those with strong religious beliefs, struggle with this concept because they experience suffering, injustice, and imperfection daily. They might argue that acknowledging these imperfections and striving to change them is part of their moral or spiritual duty.

The Problem of Evil: Your view offers a resolution to the problem of evil by suggesting that everything is as it should be. However, this stance can be challenging for those who have experienced significant suffering or trauma. They might find it difficult to reconcile their experiences with the notion of a perfect world or a perfectly benevolent deity.

Judgment and Improvement: For many, the concept of should-ness is tied to the idea of improvement and moral progress. The belief that certain things should be different drives human innovation, justice, and compassion. From this perspective, acknowledging that some things should be different doesn't necessarily imply cursing the creator but rather participating in a dynamic process of co-creation and improvement.

The Role of Suffering: Some religious traditions view suffering and imperfection as integral parts of the human experience that contribute to growth and learning. In this view, acknowledging that things could or should be different doesn't negate the overall goodness or perfection of the creation but rather highlights the complexity and depth of the human experience.

In summary, your perspective challenges conventional views on morality, determinism, and the nature of divine creation. While it offers a coherent and optimistic worldview, it also raises complex questions about human experience, suffering, and the nature of free will. Engaging with these ideas can lead to deeper philosophical and theological discussions, helping individuals refine their understanding of their beliefs and the world around them.

these are my thoughts.

A person who allow themselves to constantly believe that certain event shouldn't happen do not believe or trust in God. If I do they will trust in his absolute and perfect plan for them.

I am a Christian, and any Christian will be aware of various historical accounts where the Christian God (Jehovah) sent floods like the time of Noah to destroy His creation. Was the creation bad? In my opinion, as humans and creatures allowed to continue God's creation, we have misused our freedom OF CHOICE to create disastrous consequences. Did God make a mistake by creating the dictators in the world today? No. God didn't create a self-centered person, but the person himself chose to take the selfish path and thus became a bad element.

Now, I'm picking everything together, trying to give my head a definite meaning to this concept. Drawing on my board trying to arrive at a definite conclusion. Maybe life could just be a matter of perspective or perhaps a fact we all are trying to find out.

The whole "should-have-been" thing drives me crazy! It's like judging the world for not being some imaginary perfect place. Hurricanes? Part of the deal. Burnt toast? Happens to the best of us. If there's a God out there, they must be okay with it all, right? After all, they made it that way. Makes more sense to appreciate the crazy ride than complain about the bumps.

People who believe in God and then say "shouldn't have happened" confuse me. Isn't that basically saying God messed up? If they're all-powerful, then the world is exactly how they wanted it, wouldn't you think? Maybe instead of judging, we should be thanking them for the good stuff, like sunsets and puppies.

I used to think things should be different, but that just made me miserable. Now I see the world as a complete package, a perfect whole. Every sunrise, every laugh, every tear - it all fits together. Maybe there's a reason for it all, even the stuff we don't like. Who knows? But judging it seems pointless.

You know what's truly messed up? Thinking you know better than a supposed all-powerful creator. If someone made this whole universe, they probably had a plan, right? Maybe it's not for us to understand, but to appreciate. Like a child judging a masterpiece - sure, it might not be their style, but that doesn't mean it's bad art.

People who say the world should be different are basically saying God did a bad job. Harsh, right? But isn't that the implication? If you believe in a powerful creator, then the world is their work. Complaining about it feels disrespectful, almost like yelling at a painting because you don't like the colors.