The Trouble with Christianity

The second in a series of six, Wheelock Heath Baptist Church is inviting friends of its congregation to learn more about the Chrisitan faith, where they can ask pivitol questions about subjects like suffering, injustice, religion, hell, science and taking the bible literally.
The second - 'How could a good God allow suffering', was informative and helped answer people's preconceieved notions about suffering.

Pastor Gary Aston lead the discussion and answered the following questions claiming not to know ALL the answers. Here is a shortened and compacted record of the questiones and answers that took place at the end of a successful evening.

Q You explained how Jesus destroys all the sad things. You also said he destroys sin, and how exactly does he destroy it?

A Sin, is rebellion against God. God is to be on the throne of our hearts. As soon as Adam and Eve disobeyed God - He was exchanged ; from Him, to ourselves: ME. Sin distorts everything. Sin is far more than disobeying a list of rules. Anger of God is raised when self is the centre of our lives. he must show His righteous nager against sin. When Jesus comes, Jesus destroys the work of sin. he died on the cross to absorb God's anger for us. If you believe in Jesus, you won't face God's anger. He promised to reverse the effects of the Fall (Adam and Eve sinning), and one day He promises to purge the world of sin.

Q How can a good God five a good reason on purpose for allowing innocent babies or children to suffer in abusive situations?

A. We can't, as humans understand a specifiic purpose; situation. According to God's plans, He is GOOD. God hasn't finished yet. Jesus has come, but the final effects we haven't seen yet. One day evil will be done away with. And the crux is - where would you ask God to stop? If he did take out evil now, where would He stop?.. I don't want to be flippent in my answer - see me afterwards who asked this question and we can talk through it..

Q Accordingto the bible, God imposed suffering on us because of Adam's sin. Therefor, does God continue to punish us? If so, do we pray for God to change his mind?

A Adam didn't know the consequences of the Fall. Though, he chose to disobey God. So, God hasn't 'imposed' suffering on us. Jesus came down so we don't have to face the consequences of sin.

Q The assumption is that coming through suffereing, results in a better person by what you said Gary.. But, what about when a person is left twisted and bitter. How is suffering useful then?

A A little suffering is Good for the soul? I am not recommending that. Suffering is NOT a good thing. We can point those people to Jesus and he can and DOES draw out the poison. Jesus is able to turn things around.

Q Why do some wicked people prosper, live long, and die happy? Why do good people suffer and die young?
A Job comes to mind here - read the book.. And in Psalm 73 Aseph writes Justice may not be done in this life. But ultimate justice will one day be seen to be done. On THAT day.

(Time ran out and the evening drew to a close.)