Why do bad things happen to good people?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So sorry you lost your friend to cancer, OP. It is truly awful that a 40 year old mum has been lost to her kids, husband, and friends. There is no reason. Only time will heal a bit. The wound will always be there. Be strong for the kids and husband.

I didn't realize that this is something that actually happened. It is so painful, and in my opinion, taking the possibility of god out of it, makes it less confounding. one less thing to be angry and hurt by. It doesn't make any sense that a loving God would do such a thing -- and he didn't -- he's not there, pulling any strings. We're on our own, just like we seem to be. We have each other. that's it and we can offer each other real, human comfort. Right now.

[Anonymous]

Jesus said " Only God is good." Earth is just a dull faded and damaged place compared to heaven. We are in a shadowland. God said "My word is enough."

[Anonymous]

If you really want to know watch this.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy8jCtTXON4

[Anonymous]

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is only a question because you think there are good people, and you think there are bad people. And because you think there is "a plan".

[Anonymous]

Good and bad happen to all types of people. How many threads on DCUM are complaining how some witch of a neighbor or IL had something unfairly good happen to them? Or threads about sweet people going through rough times. No one has cornered the market on good times or bad times.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the replies so far. I guess I struggle with the desire to believe in God (or the indoctrination I experienced?) and want to be comforted by a master plan. I accept we must all die, and I accept that some crappy things happen. I also accept that some bad things I've experienced have caused me to grow as a person, mature, and have a better perspective. However, that still doesn't answer my question about horrible violence or why God doesn't intervene in one instance but not another. I've struggled with atheism because I feel like there must be more than just actions and reactions in our world. (I'm not explaining this well, but I mean I struggle with the idea that stuff happens for no purpose and that's the existence of life.) Can those who feel differently share some of your thoughts on this? Thank you for your replies so far.

[Anonymous]

The question itself is egocentric.

who are you to decide what is good or bad? who made you the authority on good and bad in the universe? Jesus said only God is good. It does not matter if 98% of humans vote that God is not good.

the earth itself is bad compared to heaven. Bad started in the garden of eden with human free will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the replies so far. I guess I struggle with the desire to believe in God (or the indoctrination I experienced?) and want to be comforted by a master plan. I accept we must all die, and I accept that some crappy things happen. I also accept that some bad things I've experienced have caused me to grow as a person, mature, and have a better perspective. However, that still doesn't answer my question about horrible violence or why God doesn't intervene in one instance but not another. I've struggled with atheism because I feel like there must be more than just actions and reactions in our world. (I'm not explaining this well, but I mean I struggle with the idea that stuff happens for no purpose and that's the existence of life.) Can those who feel differently share some of your thoughts on this? Thank you for your replies so far.

I'd say that we humans make our purpose - and like everything else in the universe, there is only a limited amount we can control and even then, not always. I feel lucky just to to be here - it's such a crapshoot, really, being born in the first place.

[Anonymous]

So I guess you don't have a soul^^

[Anonymous]

Yes, bad things happen to good people.


The end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So I guess you don't have a soul^^

What's a "soul?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I guess you don't have a soul^^

What's a "soul?"

It's what makes killing you a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“God’s job is not to make sick people healthy. That’s the doctor’s job. God’s job is to make sick people brave.”
? Harold S. Kushner, Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World


The author is a Jewish rabbi whose son had a degenerative disease.


http://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728

+1 for this book. Although I am catholic, I really enjoy Kushner's writings and they really resonated with me.

[Anonymous]

After many experiences much like your's I have come to the conclusion that there is no god. I made me feel much better knowing that things just happen - good and bad. We are each in control to the extent possible but some things we can never control. I'm very sorry for your loss today. Welcome to the dark side. Honestly I've never felt more content and at peace than when I stopped believing in god.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I guess you don't have a soul^^

What's a "soul?"

It's what makes killing you a bad thing.

Do only humans have "souls?" What other things have them?