Years ago, I recall reading a statement that most philosophers are optimists. There have been exceptions--- Arthur Schopenhauer for example. In more recent years, it seems like there is a larger number of philosophers who could be seen as pessimistic--- some existentialists and some nihilists and perhaps others. Does this mean that there is a …
Tag: suffering
Solomon’s 3rd Dream (a Speculative Story)
The following might be considered a "midrash aggadah." While these can vary, they are often stories built on a Biblical narrative. Sometimes they essentially serve as a running commentary. Other times, they can be quite speculative, leading hopefully to interesting discussions. <Note: I originally had called this story "Solomon's 2nd Dream" until I realized that …
Theodicy– The Questions Real People Ask
Here is a quote by Howard Stone from "The Word of God and Pastoral Care" Over the years, while making pastoral care visits and especially hospital visits, I have sadly encountered many people whose well-meaning friends and acquaintances have responded to their why questions with theological answers that left them terribly upset and proved actually …
That Bad Stuff Good People Question
"What is 'I Don't Know'?" That is the best Jeopardy answer I can give to the statement to the answer "Why does bad stuff happens to good people." Some feel this is a "cop-out," or taking the easy way out. Frankly, I have heard a lot of easy-way-out answers to that question: "God's ways are …
Suffering and Viktor Frankl
I am not an expert on Theodicy, on suffering and its underlying meaning (or underlying lack of meaning). That being said, churches (especially the safe and affluent churches, but even the persecuted and vulnerable churches at times) have trouble with suffering. It seems to me that part of the problem is that the church (we …
Fear, Anger, and Power. Part 2
Since this is Part 2, you may want to consider reading Part 1 first. It was built around the issue of Angry, Angry Christians... and that some of it stems from Fear and Mistrust. I think that is very true, but I think there is more. I believe that some stems from what I described …