Published on Aug 18, 2014
Isn't human suffering proof that a just, all-powerful God must not exist? On the contrary, says Boston College Professor of Philosophy Peter Kreeft. How can "suffering" exist without an objective standard against which to judge it? Absent a standard, there is no justice. If there is no justice, there is no injustice. And if there is no injustice, there is no suffering. On the other hand, if justice exists, God exists. In five minutes, learn more.
Professor Peter Kreeft actually brought up some great points as to how believers of a God and atheist assess suffering psychologically and logically. It makes complete sense that an atheist will endure greater struggle thinking that the good suffer, there is not future, and the bad win. It's haunting to think that way but so prevalent in our worlds society lately. I myself am a victim to this. Is it that the free will theodicy has gone too far and we have come to question too much instead of having faith, or have we "opened our eyes" at the possibilities of no standard of god.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting video. I never thought of the concept that if a good and loving god didn't exist, there would be no absolute standard of good. This idea gives light to the origin of the problem of human evil. I believe that religions, through different ways, attempt to answer the question of human suffering. Personally, the way I was raised leads me to believe that suffering is caused by separating from the love of God. It is our negative thoughts and actions that distance ourselves from God, consequently leading us to suffering.
ReplyDeleteJuan Carlos Lamuno
PID: 5918951
There were some points discussed that I had never considered before. I've always questioned that if there was this great God, why is there suffering? It makes sense that maybe this god isn't all good, powerful, or knowing. Professor Kreeft touched on this and explained that because of suffering a god cannot be all knowing, good, or powerful. All three cannot be present, or else there'd be peace and no suffering.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Moral
PID: 5701615
I thought this video was very interesting. I have always questioned why there is a need for suffering. "God is all good and all powerful and such a god wouldn't permit for such suffering"- I think many people think this way when something horrible happens in their life. This video made a good point, saying the problem of human evil only exists if God exists - but I am someone who believes that suffering happens when we reject God's will.
ReplyDeleteMelany Sanchez
PID 5063302
I am a Catholic and This video brought up a lot of questions I used to ask when I was a kid, such as, "why is God causing all these bad things to happen". The first time I asked this question, was when I was 6 and had a loss in my family. Of course no one was able to answer the question in a way that I was able to understand. It's crazy to me how human can think such a like, even if they don't believe in the same thing, this is in regard to everyone at one point in their lives asking the same question.
ReplyDeleteLaura Moralejo
59167222
Watching this video reminded me of the story of Bethany Hamilton, a Hawaiian surfer who lost her arm from a shark attack. When we suffer, we can't help ourselves but question, "why me?" In a similar way, Bethany wondered what God had in mind for her. I recall hearing a huge controversy regarding whether God "sent the shark" to take her arm away. However, instead of allowing these thoughts to consume her, Bethany preferred to focus on what God allowed her to do. And that was to pick up the pieces from her old life while adjusting to the new one. Her story is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLourdes Madrigal
5921427
As the video about evil also made me think, even if everything about God is all good and powerful, that does not mean that bad things will not happen. Everything in life comes in a balance, and where there is good, there will also be bad. Just because God exists or does not, does not mean that that would get rid of the bad. Being raised into a religious family, I believe that bad occurs when the faith in God is not present, and if it is present and bad still occurs, then the faith will help fix it.
ReplyDeleteLuis Garcia B.
PID: 5754979
I actually enjoyed watching the video and what it was talking about. I personally have thought about that a lot throughout my life. I do not think that one can be punsihed by God for not following/ "obeying" him. What I do believe in a lot is Karma. I solemnly think that if you do something knowing that it is not right, especially if it takes a burden on someone else, it will hunt you back and you will end up paying for it sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteMatheus Coelho
#5705161
I found this video particularly interesting and informative due to the fact that I have ask myself this question and have had conversations in regards to this topic. While the video does bring up some good points I feel that this is more opinionated rather than fact. This seems more as a way of viewing the world rather than explaining why the world is the way it is.
ReplyDeleteAustin Moscoso
PID: 5756977
When speaking or even simply pondering on this subject, this question probably pops into most people's minds "Why am I here?", or "Why do we exist?" and there are many answers to that question and yet none are satisfactory for the majority of peoples.
ReplyDeleteThis is the topic that drew me away from religion, when I was younger I couldn't wrap my head around how if god were to have created us all and knew our actions, why he would allow for his children to starve. I couldn't understand how he could punish them for stealing when they would die without the food. This is such a complex topic that really interests me.
ReplyDeleteWhether you believe in God or not, I believe that this is a video for all to watch because it really makes us question what we believe in. This was a good video for me to watch personally because it made me realize that I am not the only one who has these questions about my own personal faith. It helped me learn that not all questions need answers, especially when they are about a higher power.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a good case for God existing. He takes into account all the possible questions. He had backup and information. It just made sense. I really liked this video
ReplyDeleteSydney Garcia
5698560
Suffering is only relative to our own experience. According to Whitehead God is a part of the world and he is affected by our suffering, however, he is unable to control it. In other words, God in his nature, is a God who suffers, loves, and has emotions. For process theologians on the other hand, God may exist, but is not all powerful. They also believe that God is part of the world and he is bound by the world's natural laws.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this video. Coming from a Catholic family I have learned that God is above all, and he is who we just worship. This video helps us understand from a different perspective what God's job is and how God may exist, but he is not all powerful.
ReplyDeletePanther ID: 5820958
I really thought this was a great video. Especially for atheists or people who are strongly to understand religion or the spiritual realm.
ReplyDeleteThis video was very interesting although at the top, the writing before asked, "since there is suffering isn't that proof that the all powerful God doesn't exist?" I am a firm believer that God does not want us to suffer and all of our suffering comes from the Devil.
ReplyDeleteGod and suffering is definitely a touchy subject. Many have different beliefs for example how you first mentioned whether the existence of suffering doesn't go contrary to a gods true existential belief. I believe suffering is necessary for growth.
ReplyDeletePID: 5238764
Suffering is an instinct or instance that usually comes after the occurrence of a certain event. Suffering may be looked at as bad or good, but it always brings out an outcome that is necessary. Being raised in a Chirstian home, suffering exemplified the existence of God. I believe suffering is necessary in order to gain knowledge, growth, and experience through life to gain essential information that is beneficial through life.
ReplyDeletePID: 5822108
It makes sense that if you do not believe in God, you just attribute the bad things that happen in the world to random luck or nature. It is not unjust that a lion ate one dear and not the other one, it's just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteI like this theory because it's simple logic, not getting into any specific religion.
Stephanie Schmatz ID 6023372
This video was very informative. I actually did not know that suffering was categorized based on their causes. It was interesting to hear about the argument that was proposed about the idea of suffering.
ReplyDelete