School Shootings - More Evidence of a Non-Existent Deity?

[Pendrench]

134. Hi marylandblue - you bring up an important (and thought-provoking point).

As a person who identifies as a believer (in my case, Catholic) I think that it’s important to reflect and address this issue: how can a god be all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, and yet allow bad things to happen?

To be sure, greater minds than mine have tried to address this question, so I don’t purport to have “the answer” that has eluded others much more qualified and educated than me. I do, however, have some personal thoughts inspired by your post:

Perhaps (if there is a god) he/she/it IS all powerful, all knowing, and all loving – but not all of these qualities are co-equal (or of co-equal importance).

For example, my son is about to turn 21, and recently has faced some challenging issues. Although I don’t claim to be omniscient, my age and experience informs me how things will (probably) turn out if he continues on his present course. By the same token, although I am not all powerful, I could intervene on his behalf – but I realize that he is an adult and needs to make his own choices. But (most importantly) he is my son – and I love him unconditionally.

So although we will never be all powerful or all knowing – if we love unconditionally, perhaps we can achieve some level of parity with this aspect of god (if such a god exists).

I realize (of course) that all analogies are imperfect by their nature, but your post did make me think of this, so I thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

Your post also reminded me of this passage from the bible:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

That I why I think that it doesn’t really matter what people believe – whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or if you don't believe in a god (or gods) at all. What it comes down to is love- and I believe we show that love by how we treat others.

Sorry for the rambling – again, I thank you for the opportunity to discuss this with you. I imagine that we will not agree on this subject, but perhaps we can find common ground in other areas.

Wishing you well and peace.

Tim