Can God protect us from 'accidents' if our world contains chance?

[cfauster]

I recommend “The Secularization of Chance: Toward Understanding the Impact of the Probability Revolution on Christian Belief in Divine Providence” by Josh Reeves published in Zygon Vol. 50, Issue 3, Sept. 2015, pp. 604-620.

I don’t know if the following link works for everyone or just people affiliated with institutions that subscribe to the journal:

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/zygo.12191/pdf

 

[oldcelt]

As I read the replies it seems that most here believe that their God picks and chooses when and where accidents will occur. How about another view…God has no involvement in the day to day functioning of this planet? Earthquakes, tornadoes, car accidents, childhood cancer, war, and so on, are all merely consequences of life here on earth.
I find that to be a great deal more comforting than a deity randomly deciding to cause a disaster.

 

[tonyrey]

As I read the replies it seems that most here believe that their God picks and chooses when and where accidents will occur.

That is because they understand that if God can create the universe He can also choose when and where to prevent accidents, His knowledge is not so limited as ours and His wisdom is incomparably greater. Any suggestion that underestimates His wisdom and love is totally unjustified.

How about another view…God has no involvement in the day to day functioning of this planet? Earthquakes, tornadoes, car accidents, childhood cancer, war, and so on, are all merely consequences of life here on earth.

A god who lives in “splendid isolation” from His creatures lacks either compassion or understanding. In either case He would be inferior to us because He would never do anything to prevent or mitigate their suffering. At least we have the ability to help them even though we don’t always do so. How on earth did we become superior to our Creator?

I find that to be a great deal more comforting than a deity randomly deciding to cause a disaster.

Why randomly? Isn’t the Creator aware of what is happening? If not how was the universe created?

 

[oldcelt]

That is because they understand that if God can create the universe He can also choose when and where to prevent accidents, His knowledge is not so limited as ours and His wisdom is incomparably greater. Any suggestion that underestimates His wisdom and love is totally unjustified.

A god who lives in “splendid isolation” from His creatures lacks either compassion or understanding. In either case He would be inferior to us because He would never do anything to prevent or mitigate their suffering. At least we have the ability to help them even though we don’t always do so. How on earth did we become superior to our Creator?

Why randomly? Isn’t the Creator aware of what is happening? If not how was the universe created?

The universe was created by an act of a power that you and I cannot begin to grasp. To make him so petty as to deal with our little world, to me, demeans that power. So far as wisdom is concerned, I’m not at allcertain that sucha term can be applied to the creator.
So far as your second paragraph about splendid isolation…we are not superior t`o the creator simply because he does not direct this little planet. We choose and follow our own path, and are responsible for all our actions.
No need for intervention.
IMHO…hope you and yours are well, Tony,

John

 

[cfauster]

Apparently the link I placed in my Post #41 above does not work for most people.

I have quoted from the article in a couple posts on another thread.

See, for example:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13208468&postcount=376

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13212534&postcount=386

 

[tonyrey]

That is because they understand that if God can create the universe He can also choose when and where to prevent accidents, His knowledge is not so limited as ours and His wisdom is incomparably greater. Any suggestion that underestimates His wisdom and love is totally unjustified.

Sorry for the delayed reply, John. For the first time in my life I’ve been mixed up in politics. You can guess why and who I support!

I agree that we cannot grasp even in our imagination the power of God but I don’t think caring for us is demeaning. Surely love is more important than anything else in the world.
What would we think of a father who takes no interest in his children or doesn’t even know he has any?

So far as your second paragraph about splendid isolation…we are not superior t`o the creator simply because he does not direct this little planet. We choose and follow our own path, and are responsible for all our actions.No need for intervention.

How about natural disasters and the crimes of humanity? Wouldn’t you intervene if you could?

I hope you are well too, of course - and I pray for your reunion with your wife. It’s better to live in hope rather than despair.

 

[oldcelt]

Sorry for the delayed reply, John. For the first time in my life I’ve been mixed up in politics. You can guess why and who I support!

I agree that we cannot grasp even in our imagination the power of God but I don’t think caring for us is demeaning. Surely love is more important than anything else in the world.
What would we think of a father who takes no interest in his children or doesn’t even know he has any?

How about natural disasters and the crimes of humanity? Wouldn’t you intervene if you could?

I hope you are well too, of course - and I pray for your reunion with your wife. It’s better to live in hope rather than despair.

Mixed up in politics…may your God help you….

Of course I would intervene if I could, but I see no evidence of that. I live in constant hope and strive to be the best I can be…that’s all I can do. BTW, my wife and I have been divorced for 24 years…it was a civil ceremony.

John

 

[tonyrey]

Mixed up in politics…may your God help you…

It’s because there is one man who stands up for those who are victimised by our callous Tory government, particularly young people.

Of course I would intervene if I could, but I see no evidence of that. I live in constant hope and strive to be the best I can be…that’s all I can do.

That’s all any of us can do.

BTW, my wife and I have been divorced for 24 years…it was a civil ceremony.

I had the impression that your wife had died recently and was praying you would be reunited in heaven!

 

[oldcelt]

It’s because there is one man who stands up for those who are victimised by our callous Tory government, particularly young people.

That’s all any of us can do.
I had the impression that your wife had died recently and was praying you would be reunited in heaven!

Thank you for that kind thought,

John

 

[tonyrey]

Thank you for that kind thought,

John

It’s far more than a thought, John! It’s a fervent prayer based on hope and confidence that God is a loving Father who created us to share life with Him and those who love Him in heaven. I think we underestimate and fail to appreciate the value, wonder and beauty of this world, let alone the next!