[–] elchupanibre5 ago (edited ago)
The ability for man to have free will causes the suffering that you exclusively blame God for. It seems that what you prefer instead is a dictatorship from above ruled with an ironfist. Theoretically, this is actually the opposite of freedom.
It is impossible for man to be free and (at the same time) without conflict because we are all flawed. Not to mention, Satan entices us in our flaws to bring about evil which inevitably causes suffering.
The job of the righteous Christian is to submit his human flaws to God (as a living sacrifice) as to try and be an example of light in a dark world. Unfortunately even in this endeavor, most Christians are unsuccessful... because they too are human.
So what is God to do? Does he simply shackle us all down into submissive automatons? Or does he allow free will to exist at the expense of suffering? If any human being had the answer to this question then we would've already been living in a utopia.
God's answer was Jesus Christ.
[–] Sir_Ebral ago
I appreciate your honest response.
I don't believe in necessary sacrifice. Yes, if one must give his own life to eliminate the enemy, that is fine; other than that, no.
You ascribe all of this to the jewish god, based on what?
[–] PaddyMcInfidel ago
What if the enemy is sin and death itself? The punishment for sin is death, Jesus came, died and resurrected in order to pay for the sins of man, or eliminate the enemy if you prefer.
[–] Patriotic_Legend ago
There are many reasons I have faith in Jesus. I believe science and philosophical logic prove the existence of a God. From there my faith is built on the strength of the Bible, my family, and most of all personal experiences.
I think a good source for the reading more on what/why Christians believe what they do is carm.org.
I believe if you are open to the idea of God you will see him in your life.
And to answer some of the more angry posts from others. I have no problem discussing my beliefs and listening to others that differ. However, it is easy to see when some just want to have a one way lash out session and That is a waste of time.