Where was God?
Serge, of A conservative blog for peace, posts an Eastern Orthodox chaplain's answer to this most difficult question:
Like Serge, I "wouldn’t want to go near this question with a barge-pole."
Here, however, is an article that gives answers to the above question from a variety of religious and non-religious standpoints (no Catholic answer was provided):
Of those quoted in the above article, my thoughts are closest to those of Rabbi Daniel Isaak, of Congregation Neveh Shalom, in Portland, Oregon and Greek Orthodox Theologian Costas Kyriakides of Cyprus.
First the rabbi:
I would just add that the "imperfections built into the natural order" came about as a result of the Fall.
Next, the theologian:
UPDATE: An at-times-not-so-pretty discussion is ensuing on this topic on Open Book, Amy Welborn's blog:
Serge, of A conservative blog for peace, posts an Eastern Orthodox chaplain's answer to this most difficult question:
Like Serge, I "wouldn’t want to go near this question with a barge-pole."
Here, however, is an article that gives answers to the above question from a variety of religious and non-religious standpoints (no Catholic answer was provided):
Of those quoted in the above article, my thoughts are closest to those of Rabbi Daniel Isaak, of Congregation Neveh Shalom, in Portland, Oregon and Greek Orthodox Theologian Costas Kyriakides of Cyprus.
First the rabbi:
- This is not something that God has done. God hasn't picked out a certain group of people in a certain area of the world and said: "I am going to punish them."
The world has certain imperfections built into the natural order, and we have to live with them. The issue isn't "Why did God do this to us?" but "How do we human beings care for one another?"
I would just add that the "imperfections built into the natural order" came about as a result of the Fall.
Next, the theologian:
- I personally don't attach any theological significance to this -- I listen to what the scientists say. God is always the fall guy. We incriminate Him completely unjustly.
UPDATE: An at-times-not-so-pretty discussion is ensuing on this topic on Open Book, Amy Welborn's blog:
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
<< Home