Satan does nothing unless approved by God. This is revealed with Job.Why do people blame God for disasters but never blame Satan? ?
Good question. I do think God allows some evil to happen, but not all. It seems unlikely that a loving God would allow that much evil to occur on Earth, let alone the universe. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to events that occur. We really should start blaming Satan. Why would God approve anything from Satan? He damned him to hell.Why do people blame God for disasters but never blame Satan? ?
Let's say you have an ant farm. Do you really have the capability or the want to control each individual ant? Would you want a world of puppets or would you allow free will? If God wanted a puppet show, he'd create a puppet show. Besides, can you imagine the chaos of emitting too many miracles at once? We already have non-believers. The world would turn upside down.Good question. I do think God allows some evil to happen, but not all. It seems unlikely that a loving God would allow that much evil to occur on Earth, let alone the universe. Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to events that occur. We really should start blaming Satan. Why would God approve anything from Satan? He damned him to hell.
So I guess the bottom line of what you're saying is that God does not micromanage everything, but that he gave individuals free will. If that's what it is, then I agree.Let's say you have an ant farm. Do you really have the capability or the want to control each individual ant? Would you want a world of puppets or would you allow free will? If God wanted a puppet show, he'd create a puppet show. Besides, can you imagine the chaos of emitting too many miracles at once? We already have non-believers. The world would turn upside down.
If Satan isn't a threat, why are we so concerned about him, then? If he's stuck in hell, can he really send evil spirits after us? I think the Bible says yes, but I have not seen any concrete evidence and frankly, I don't think I want to.
God can "fix" evil through prayer requests, but I do not know why some prayers are answered and some are not. I don't know why one child is saved and the other dies. These are the same questions we all have. But again, if everyone were saved, there would be no death, and eternal life is somewhat of a reward, not a guarantee.
Satan was not sent to hell. He was thrown out of heaven and cast down to Earth.Let's say you have an ant farm. Do you really have the capability or the want to control each individual ant? Would you want a world of puppets or would you allow free will? If God wanted a puppet show, he'd create a puppet show. Besides, can you imagine the chaos of emitting too many miracles at once? We already have non-believers. The world would turn upside down.If Satan isn't a threat, why are we so concerned about him, then? If he's stuck in hell, can he really send evil spirits after us? I think the Bible says yes, but I have not seen any concrete evidence and frankly, I don't think I want to.
God can "fix" evil through prayer requests, but I do not know why some prayers are answered and some are not. I don't know why one child is saved and the other dies. These are the same questions we all have. But again, if everyone were saved, there would be no death, and eternal life is somewhat of a reward, not a guarantee.
Yes, exactly.So I guess the bottom line of what you're saying is that God does not micromanage everything, but that he gave individuals free will. If that's what it is, then I agree.
It is an interesting dynamic, free-will. Opens pandora's box when examined. I understand what L. Ray Smith is saying with regards to individuals and have to really give his explanation some deep thought.The thought of free will never made much sense to me. Of course, within our individual boundaries we are free to choose, but it's very clear that each person is different and our "free wills" are very personal. These boundaries aren't frozen solid. But, I haven't seen them change drastically. There's some room to adaptation, but nothing too significant.
For instance, I don't have the free will to feel attracted to men. I was born heterosexual.
I don't have the free will to get addicted to alcohol, tobacco or marijuana. I tried these drugs and they have zero appeal to me.
I can't choose to talk a lot. I have friends and family who are big talkers and I just can't do it, nor stand it.
Etc...
Doing any of these things would mean I'm being forced and am doing them against my will.
Ok, but if he is living on earth, you said he cannot do harm without God's permission, right? So, bad things that happen are random (which is what I believe, anyway), not acts of Satan. Why are we even concerned about him, other than the fact that it seems he can live through people? (I don't need to name names).Satan was not sent to hell. He was thrown out of heaven and cast down to Earth.
He is living on Earth, yes. For now.Ok, but if he is living on earth, you said he cannot do harm without God's permission, right? So, bad things that happen are random (which is what I believe, anyway), not acts of Satan. Why are we even concerned about him, other than the fact that it seems he can live through people? (I don't need to name names).
Thus rendering free will a mythYour choices are based on a chain of events throughout your lifetime.
Yes.Thus rendering free will a myth
As far as the existence of God, there is an old thread already going about that, it is entitled , God?I always find it amusing when people tell me they believe in a god that can interfere in our world.
So many questions arise, but the first that comes to mind is: how does your God decide which cases he will act upon and which he won't?
Anyway, I don't mean to derail the original discussion ?
Why would God subject us to him? Why not ban him to an empty planet like Mars?He is living on Earth, yes. For now.
What about people being possessed?Does he make people commit evil? No he doesn't do that either.Does he take advantage of our weaknesses?, Yes, he does do that, meaning we were prone to doing whatever it is anyway.
To the why would God subject us to Satan...quote from L. Ray Smith.Why would God subject us to him? Why not ban him to an empty planet like Mars?
What about people being possessed?
Reading L. Ray Smith's explanations would be of benefit:"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, but was manifested in these last times for you" (I Pet. 1:19-20). "