Many people cite the misery in the world as evidence that a benevolent god … I have started reading this new book. You can¿t take the Bible literally. In our discussion, it was pointed out that the above deals particularly with suffering that has no apparent purpose. Suffering that comes as a consequence of our sin and rebellion. In conclusion on the topic of evil and suffering . Ever wonder how martyrs across history went to their deaths with less seeming agony than Jesus in Gethsemane? The Reason for God is worth reading, reflecting on, and discussing with friends—both Christians and non-Christians. 3. But how had I got this idea of "just" and "unjust"?...What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?...Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. Questions for the first half of the book are posted on our website under The Reason for God: Questions for Discussion (I). We may not know what the answer is, BUT We know what it is not. Have you ever been guilty of giving God less than what He ... in the next 2 chapters, just how bad it had gotten. It has hit the NY Times bestseller list. 2. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. ", Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga provides an illustration to address the above flaw in reasoning. I won't believe in a God who allows suffering, even if he, she or it exists. . Log in, Video Interview about Suzie and Project 4031, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: Head Full of Rocks, Brought Back to Joy and Hope: A Reader’s Testimonial, Look Away From Me, Lord: A Meditation on Psalm 39, Harassed & Helpless: How Jesus Views the Crowds, Imagine No Longer: When Heaven Is Our Home, Obedience That Knows Jesus’ Transforming Power. . At the end of Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee, discovering Gandalf was not dead asks: "Is everything sad going to come untrue?". Experiencing the inferno of abandonment, he still cries out in the language of intimacy "My God, My God.". Lewis for the 21st century” (Newsweek). God has His ways, and we are not privy to all of them. . The Reason for God small group Bible study can be used individually, with groups, or by any believer who is engaging with friends who don’t share his or her beliefs. Christians will be challenged to wrestle with their friends and neighbors’ hardest questions, and to engage those questions in ways that will spark an honest, enriching, and humbling dialogue. Pay attention to how you might approach differently. Keller, a NYC pastor, has tackled the issues that cause people to doubt the claims of Christianity. Use this discussion guide to The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism, by pastor and author Timothy Keller, to guide your small group through some of the toughest questions people have about faith.. From The Reason for God site: Many assume that if there were good reasons for the existence of evil, they would be accessible to our minds, more like St. Bernards than like no-see-ums, but why should that be the case? The Reason for God – Chapter Twelve: The (True) Story Of The Cross “The primary symbol of Christianity has always been the cross,” begins Chapter Twelve. Lewis "My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. Christianity is a straitjacket. How could a good god allow suffering: A good human would attempt to elevate unnecessary suffering of other humans. But if he does, he can't be trusted. . "I just don't believe the God of Christianity exists," said Hillary, and undergrad English major. 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