Chance or divine plan?

[lalindsay225]

Does God control what goes on in our lives, or does He just stand back and let everything happen? For example, my son has autism. Was that God’s plan, or merely biological happenstance? Thanks in advance for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[the_phoenix]

Yes.

Mrs. Gump: I happen to believe you make your own destiny. You have to do the best with what God gave you.

Forrest Gump: What’s my destiny, Mama?

Mrs. Gump: You’re gonna have to figure that out for yourself. Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.

– Paramount Pictures, 1994



The above photo of Forrest Gump’s feather was taken by me.

~~ the phoenix

 

[z_0101]

I lector this weekend, and as I usually do, I read the Gospel along with the first and second readings attempting to find the relationships between the three.

Though I am not quite certain of the relationships between the three as of yet (I usually discuss this with one of the Deacons as we’re good friends) it struck me that having just read thru the Gospel and then reading your post within just a short time frame later, that maybe I should bring this to you:

John Ch9
***The Man Born Blind. ***

1 As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
4 We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.
5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes,
7 and said to him, “Go wash* in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
(…)

The long form goes on for quite awhile with the usual cast of characters in disbelief looking to hurt our Lord for his actions… but then again, this is leading to the Passion.
I don’t know if this helps you or not… I do know that you have a heavy cross and I’ll say a prayer for you, and those in your situation, during my next Holy Hour.

 

[Richca]

Does God control what goes on in our lives, or does He just stand back and let everything happen? For example, my son has autism. Was that God’s plan, or merely biological happenstance? Thanks in advance for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

It is written in proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans of the human heart,
but it is the decision of the LORD that endures.” And Jesus told us that the very hairs on our heads are all numbered.
There is no such thing as a chance event in God’s creation that is not foreknown and either willed or permitted by God. Every event in creation takes place according to God’s knowledge and will and according to His eternal plan and providence.

 

[tonyrey]

God has overall control of what occurs in our lives but He doesn’t cause every individual event. If He did we wouldn’t be able to predict what is going to happen. A spate of miracles would destroy the uniformity of nature and its laws would cease to be laws. In other words if they are too many exceptions there would be chaos.

This doesn’t mean miracles never occur but it does mean the unfortunate few have to pay the price for the blessings most of us take for granted. In the eyes of the world they are misfits who are often shunned and even denied the right to life but in reality they are innocent victims who are precious in the eyes of God because they are sharing in the suffering of Christ - and capable of greater love than a normal person. Ultimately that is all that matters…

 

[Robert_Sock]

Everything that happens has a cause, a cause that is directly in the hands of God.

Romans 8:28 RSV
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

This life is short, and God has everything under His control. You have a heavy burden to bear, but have faith that God works for the good. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

LOVE!

 

[tonyrey]

Does God control what goes on in our lives, or does He just stand back and let everything happen? For example, my son has autism. Was that God’s plan, or merely biological happenstance? Thanks in advance for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

It isn’t God’s intention that anyone has a disease or disability but He permits such misfortunes because it is impossible to create a world in which everything goes according to plan. The laws of nature cannot possibly cater for every contingency. Sooner or later there are bound to be unusual events which harm and kill living beings. Within the framework of Design there is an element of Chance but divine love always brings good out of evil:

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted…

 

[Charlemagne_III]

The problem of disasters in nature has perplexed theologians for centuries. One consequence of this is that God is perceived as being remote and uncaring about his creation.

But it is a law of nature that sooner or later all must suffer and all must die.

Are we also to blame God for our day of reckoning?

It may well be that those whom God takes early and by surprise may be judged more leniently than those who have time to prepare for death, but do not do so because they do not believe there is anything beyond death to prepare for, or because they are so full of their sins that they are too proud to repudiate them and repent.

 

[oldcelt]

Pure chance. No loving God would will such a burden on a child or a family. It is now up to us to determine why autism has jumped so in the past few decades and what to do. There is help, but no magic bullet, unfortunately.

 

[Counterpoint]

Does God control what goes on in our lives, or does He just stand back and let everything happen? For example, my son has autism. Was that God’s plan, or merely biological happenstance? Thanks in advance for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

I believe that chance definitely plays a part in the way things unfold. But I also believe that God is able to work out everything for a greater good. We don’t get to see the big picture. That’s why faith is paramount. We have to trust that everything that comes our way serves a greater purpose.

 

[oldcelt]

I believe that chance definitely plays a part in the way things unfold. But I also believe that God is able to work out everything for a greater good. We don’t get to see the big picture.** That’s why faith is paramount. We have to trust that everything that comes our way serves a greater purpose.**

Faith is all that there is when it comes to particulars about God. None of us have seen God, or seen Him act in any way. My view varies from yours, but both are based on faith.

 

[Counterpoint]

Faith is all that there is when it comes to particulars about God. None of us have seen God, or seen Him act in any way. My view varies from yours, but both are based on faith.

My view is based on a combination of faith and reason. (I see “belief” and “rationality” working in tandem.)

 

[tonyrey]

I believe that chance definitely plays a part in the way things unfold. But I also believe that God is able to work out everything for a greater good. We don’t get to see the big picture. That’s why faith is paramount. We have to trust that everything that comes our way serves a greater purpose.

Intellectual pride is at the root of scepticism…

 

[tonyrey]

The problem of disasters in nature has perplexed theologians for centuries. One consequence of this is that God is perceived as being remote and uncaring about his creation.

But it is a law of nature that sooner or later all must suffer and all must die.

Are we also to blame God for our day of reckoning?

It may well be that those whom God takes early and by surprise may be judged more leniently than those who have time to prepare for death, but do not do so because they do not believe there is anything beyond death to prepare for, or because they are so full of their sins that they are too proud to repudiate them and repent.

That is certainly true, Charlie, but the downfall of otherwise virtuous people is sometimes due to intellectual pride.

 

[Aloysium]

You would know more about autism than I do, but chance would not be a factor since there are definite, albeit not yet clear, causes to this disorder. I would ask God, Himself. The question goes to the core of our existence as creatures who suffer.

 

[lalindsay225]

I truly appreciate all of your replies, as well as your prayers. This was just a question I’ve been turning over in my mind. I want you to know that my son is the joy of my life. He is in mainstream classes, and goes to sensory OT weekly. He faces his daily challenges with grace, courage, and humor. I wouldn’t change a single thing about him. I just worry about his future sometimes. But I trust in the Lord’s providence. Thanks again and God bless.

 

[tonyrey]

I truly appreciate all of your replies, as well as your prayers. This was just a question I’ve been turning over in my mind. I want you to know that my son is the joy of my life. He is in mainstream classes, and goes to sensory OT weekly. He faces his daily challenges with grace, courage, and humor. I wouldn’t change a single thing about him. I just worry about his future sometimes. But I trust in the Lord’s providence. Thanks again and God bless.

It is natural to worry about his future but his character will enable him to overcome adversity. Helen Keller is always a source of inspiration… God bless you both.

 

[Nelka]

Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.

I have never understood that saying and since the film everyone seems to use it.

We all know what chocolate we will get as they are all wrapped or shaped differently and you get a card with them all on saying which is which. Otherwise I would never eat from a box in case I get one with nuts in it.

Even a blind man can tell the difference.

Unless chocolates in America are all thrown in like a lucky dip.

 

[tonyrey]

Pure chance. No loving God would will such a burden on a child or a family. It is now up to us to determine why autism has jumped so in the past few decades and what to do. There is help, but no magic bullet, unfortunately.

The choice between God and Chance is a false dilemma. Within the framework of Design there is an element of misfortune. A paradise on earth is an illusion:

385 God is infinitely good and all his works are good. Yet no one can escape the experience of suffering or the evils in nature which seem to be linked to the limitations proper to creatures: and above all to the question of moral evil.

 

[Gary_Sheldrake]

I truly appreciate all of your replies, as well as your prayers. This was just a question I’ve been turning over in my mind. I want you to know that my son is the joy of my life. He is in mainstream classes, and goes to sensory OT weekly. He faces his daily challenges with grace, courage, and humor. I wouldn’t change a single thing about him. I just worry about his future sometimes. But I trust in the Lord’s providence. Thanks again and God bless.

Perhaps your son is as he is, and you are as you are because you bring such joy to each other. And I surely understand your worries about his future. We all have so many worries about the future, especially in regards to areas where we are vulnerable. But his present with you is an immeasurable blessing to you both though, and together the two of you are surely enriching the story of humankind with your love for each other. Thank you for your story!