To question or not to question

Hi, Jim Bob. My question is why should we, as the human race, believe God is good? Wouldn’t it have been better if God had NOT created us knowing we would make horrible choices and run our world into the ground? Since God chose to create Earth anyway—despite His omniscient knowledge that it would yield pain/suffering—does this shift God’s character toward the dark side? If God is not good, then it might begin to explain, at least in part, why we have a planet full of the pain and suffering we do (even if it’s self inflicted).

Almost every time I asked these questions, I get blank stares, stammers, anger, disappointment, uncomfortable silences and the rest of the gamut of negative emotions. Why are people so afraid of this question?

Signed,
Dark Side?

Dear Dark,
First of all, this is more than one question. No fair.
Second, Geesh! When is someone going to ask something like, “Why did God make furry bunnies?” Give me something easy! By the way, the answer to the bunny question is, "Because they're cute."
Third:  This is me giving you a blank stare. J

Recently, it was brought to my attention that my blog entries have been a bit too long. So, I’m going to answer your last question today and then the meat of your inquiry tomorrow; kind of like a cliff hanger on the net. I can feel the excitement building.
            Your last question was, “Why are people so afraid of this question?”

Are you sure it’s this particular question people have a hard time with, or is it the fact that someone is asking any question that challenges them to go beyond a surface understanding of faith. In Luke 9, Jesus asked the disciples about who other people thought he was. The disciples were probably pretty quick to answer that question, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah…” (Luke 9:19). It’s relatively easy to share what others think about God; but when people are directly challenged to own up to their beliefs, “Who do you say?” they can become a bit defensive.

            People may also have a real problem with your questions because they tend to rock their safe predictable religious boat. For years people have shared with me that because of the level of stress in their lives they need a sanctuary away from the world. The sanctuary they choose is often the church. However, for the church to remain a safe haven, difficult or challenging questions are usually considered off limits. Notw wanting one's boat rocked is not a legitimate excuse, but it is a possible reason why people become defensive and emotional dump trucks when you ask difficult questions about God and faith.
            In regard to the whole question of how much doubt or questioning is beneficial in the Christian walk, I tend to agree with William Barkley who said, (I’m paraphrasing) “The person who works through their doubts to the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord, has reached a certainty that the person who unthinkingly accepts everything will never attain.” Translated, that means, keep asking the questions. However, keep in mind, there is a significant difference between doubting in order to avoid belief and doubting in order to attain passionate belief. As you ask the questions, make sure it’s the later.

JimBob

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