There’s actually a thread on this very subject:
cho pilo
Didn’t God destroy almost all of his creation in the Flood? (Except 8 people and a few animals?)
Why not? If you were in the position that you knew about a child of yours is about to commit some seriously evil act, and you had the power to prevent him, whouldn’t you do so?
So all those people why are overpowered by demons, welcomed those demons?
Why don’t you talk about the actual question? It is not about “everyone”, it is about Satan!
So you think it is a “greater evil” to put a criminal in jail to prevent him from committing even more evil deeds. You say that we should allow all criminals to roam free, so they could continue their destructive ways. Why do you keep on defending evil? What is so “great” about evil? You should organize some new grass-roots movement, which would carry the slogan: “Free the murderers! Free the rapists! Do not interfere with the freedom of those who commit genocides! Long live evil!”. You would have quite a few followers from the posters on this board… or would you?
Yes – in the sense that He didn’t prevent the rain. We all have to die. God chose to let the flood be the cause of death for those people. Noah was many years building that ark and collecting the animals and food. Presumably the people would have questioned Noah about what he was doing and why. Also, presumably, they did not heed his words and change their ways.
I would do all I could to disuade him. Depending on his size or age, talking may be all I’d be able to do. But intervention at the time doesn’t mean his intent to harm will be gone the next day. And, if it’s a seriously evil act, it’s probably not going to be a one-time occurence. May prevent it today, but not tomorrow. If he was young enough for me to physically handle, I could probably incarcerate him under lock and key for ____ years – until he was able to escape, or until I was convinced he had converted interiorly. Is that what you would do with your child?
The scenario wasn’t about punishment for someone who had already committed an evil act — it was about whether there should be intervention of some sort BEFORE the person was guilty of committing the act.
The flaw, if you will, is that he is pleading for some sort of imaginary universe where our physical laws of nature do not apply.
Violating the laws of physics isn’t necessary. In the story Minority Report, the mentally retarded are given the “gift” ot being able to anticipate future crimes. As a result, the police arrest people and charge them with the crimes they would’ve commited had they not been stopped. This is roughly equivalent to the world your friend is pondering.
It is not the point. The poster said that God does not destroy. In the Flood (if taken literally) he did.
Yes. If I had positive knowledge that he wants to commit some seriously evil act, then I would do whatever it takes to stop him. Peacefully if possible, forcefully if necessary. If it were possible to change his mind, that would be great. It this method does not work, then physically prevent him/her from carrying out his intentions. If I had positive knowledge before he was born, then I would simply not create him.
What is the difference from God’s perspective? And the incarceration is at least partly about prevention of re-occurrance.
**8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
I am reminded of my own proud ways when I was an atheist and have just this piece of advice from a former atheist to present atheists: It is the height of pride to evaluate, scrutinize or find fault with God’s ways. God will explain many incomprehensible mysteries to the humble hearted; but the proud will be sent away empty. They will never receive any answer because their own pride will block the entry of every good news and they will remain spiritually blind and deaf. However, they will be have countless falls, which are golden opportunities to come to their senses and become humble and be blessed like the prodigal son. After all those chances, if they remain proud and hard hearted they will have only themselves to blame in the end
I see nothing in this post that would answer my question. Why did God create Satan if he knew that Satan will turn evil?
Then laws of physics are still in effect. Violation could cause the destruction of the universe?
See my prior reply (quoted below for convenience). It’s possible to satisfy his conditions without violating the laws of physics:
If you’re asserting the above requires violating a law of physics, please state which one and why.Violating the laws of physics isn’t necessary. In the story Minority Report, the mentally retarded are given the “gift” ot being able to anticipate future crimes. As a result, the police arrest people and charge them with the crimes they would’ve commited had they not been stopped. This is roughly equivalent to the world your friend is pondering.
Crime is reduced by 99.8% and only crimes of passion remain, as you would expect. The dilemma is this: if you’re certain your crime will be prevented and punished, you won’t commit it, do you really have free will?
P.S. The irony – an atheist helping a theist argue with an atheist.