JERDOG

I was reading an apologetic website the other day. In it they said that the reason god allows pain and suffering is because he is giving us test for some reason. I forgot what they say the reason was but that is irrelevant.

Now why would an all knowing creature need to give a test to someone?
If he knows everything then he should already know the out come of a specific situation under any given circumstance.

So whats the real deal on this god with his pain and suffering test?
Either he needed to give the test because he realy didn't know what an outcome would be, meaning that he is not all knowing.

Or he is just an evil sadistic god.

Magus55

One reason God allows pain and suffering is to test our faith ( i repeat, one reason - not the only one). God wants us to find out if we really are living for God, or if we are living for the world. If we can't rely on God in times of need, how can we rely on Him in times of happiness? Read Job. God allows evil to be cast upon Job to test his faith and see if He really was living for God, or only cared about God when his life was going good. By that, God showed Satan that no matter what Satan throws at Job, Job will remain true and faithful to God.

Remember, our earthly lives are not as important as our spiritual ones. Yes, pain and suffering is bad, and God doesn't like it - but He does use it for specific purposes and for His glory.

JERDOG

So he has to find out something? Then don't claim that he is all knowing.

Again here you say that god did not know something.
If god was all knowing as 99% of christians claim, then the idea of test giving is useless.

So does god know everyhting or not?

winstonjen

Until Job can't take it any more. And the reason was because of a silly bet with the devil. Can one get any more petty?

Just_An_Atheist

God also seems to treat Job's family as if they're replaceable. In the end, God restores Jobs' wealth and everything, including another family, and treats it as if all is well, because all has been restored. Should someone's wife and kids be treated as if they're merely fungable (probably mispelled) objects?

Tenek

Oh, goody. Job.

As it were, God treats people as objects. Job's family and servants are considered disposable; an acceptable loss for the value of the test. Not unlike Abraham, who cannot possibly sacrifice his son unless his son is his possession.

If God is so moral and righteous as to treat people like playthings, then to Hell with Him.

HRG

We are sentient beings and - as Kant said - not to be used as a means to an end, but always as an end in itself. You mean we are supposed to suffer because of someone else's purpose and someone else's glory ? That's exactly what it means to be used to an end which is alien to oneself.

Regards,
HRG.

Wyz_sub10

Doesn't an omniscient being know this already?

'Job' is the ultimate pissing contest and poorest example of a loving god in all of the bible. First, god should have known this. Second, he allows himself to get repeatedly suckered by the devil. Third, the book implies that Job's daughters can be replaced. It's a great story in term of myth, but a pretty crappy portrait of a supposedly loving god.

God doesn't like suffering but uses it for his glory? How absolutely repulsive a notion. That's quite a being you worship.

Magus55

Read: God wants us to find out... God shows us and others whether our faith is based on the world or God. Job shows people who read it ( and actually believe in God - i.e Atheists don't apply) that even in hard times, faith in God will pull us through. Its a life lesson for all future generations, and one family's sacrifice is worth the result of what the Book of Job teaches us.

keyser_soze

I'm glad the death of someones wife and children and brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, etc...could bring you some pleasure. I think....No, I don't like the idea at all. Perhaps would you feel the same if your entire family were wiped out so that it could provide a lesson to someone? If so, you're far more altruistic than I. I would trade my life for a number of things, but I would burn the world in it's entirety for the sake of my children.