Why do bad things happen to good people? I imagine this question has been asked since the beginning of human life. I can picture the earliest humans wondering why a child died, or a flood killed, or a village succumbed to the plague.
Today, when a superstorm hits the east coast, or a hurricane drowns New Orleans, or a tsunami overcomes coastlines, or cancer claims one we love ... we ask the same question.
Our answers to this question have a lasting effect on our love for God (or lack of love) and our trust and belief in God.
There is an answer that I find unhelpful. It is that God is punishing that person, or town, or country because of the sins found in those places. Think this one through ... who among us is without sin? Who among us could claim a righteousness above the baby who died in Katrina, or the child ripped from her mother's arms in the tsunami, or a 2 year old hit with a neuroblastoma, or the 80 year old who died in the superstorm? I know I couldn't claim such goodness, such righteousness!
So, what might I make of it? Here is a musing ...
We live in a world that is loved by God (remember in the creation story where God says what he has created is good, and, humans beings are very good?)
Yet, this world shows many signs of being out-of-whack with God's intentions. Why?
Scripture (Revelation 12) tells us that a rebellious being (one less than God), a "dragon" also called the "deceiver of the whole world" and the dragon's angels were thrown down to earth. This dragon is also called Satan and the Devil.
It is this dragon, this devil and his/her angels, that are living here on earth and causing havoc and destruction on the earth. They are working to establish control in our lives and thoughts.
Now I don't think there is a guy running around in a red suit, with a tail and a pitchfork. But, this depiction is symbolic of the reality that we live in a world that is at war with God's intentions.
That is why bad things happen to good people. That is why every living thing dies.
But, God has an answer ... Jesus! Jesus coming to earth in human flesh, living and dying, and conquering death is a sign that God's intention for this world and for you and me cannot be defeated. Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, coming down out of heaven. In this place will be perfect peace and harmony and love.
On this earth we experience the power of evil. In Christ we are promised that this evil will not have the final say!
Jesus' death and resurrection is our promise that God has the victory over all that the world (or the devil, if you will) might throw at us. We have a hope and a promise that because Jesus has lived and died and is risen from the dead, we too will have a new life!
That is Good News.
And this Good News has a "social ethic" as well. As God's people, we are called to join the fight against all those things that ruin the goodness of God's creation.
For a little more about this type of issue you might want to read the blog called "Shocking."
Pastor Dave Anderson
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
What about heaven?
From the questions passed in during and after worship, I combined a couple of them. Here are two combined into one: How do we really know there is a heaven? Do you think our loved ones in Heaven will find us when we die?
I think there is a difference between really knowing, and, trusting.
Really knowing implies we have facts...that we can prove what ever it is through scientific findings. I can't share "facts" about heaven. Tucked way back in my memory is what one of the first cosmonauts said when he went into space. He quipped something like, I don't see any God out here! So, if being able to prove something through facts is the only way to really know ... well that can't be provided.
However, I trust that there is a heaven.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." In and through Jesus we get a glimpse of heaven ... we come near to heaven ... we see God's intent for us and the world. Through Jesus I see heaven as God's incredible love for us bursting open the tomb of death and providing God's children with life beyond death.
What this eternal life will look like has been written about in Revelation. In various places we hear it talking about a place that needs, "no sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light." Or, we read about a "... the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband." This implies that heaven will come to earth? Many other images can be found in Revelation. But, because of the nature of Revelation (apocalyptic literature) to take what it says literally would be a mistake.
Instead, I turn from Revelation to Jesus' words in John, "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
I trust these words from Jesus. In Jesus' hands all will be well.
Now, will those who have died before me "find" me? I trust we will be with those we loved and those who loved us. I don't think it will be a matter of "finding" each other. We will be with God and with those who have gone before us. All will be well. Exactly how this happens...I don't have the facts ... I have God's Word though. I will trust what Jesus has said. I will put my eggs in that basket! It will be wonderful!
LGL
Pastor Dave
I think there is a difference between really knowing, and, trusting.
Really knowing implies we have facts...that we can prove what ever it is through scientific findings. I can't share "facts" about heaven. Tucked way back in my memory is what one of the first cosmonauts said when he went into space. He quipped something like, I don't see any God out here! So, if being able to prove something through facts is the only way to really know ... well that can't be provided.
However, I trust that there is a heaven.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." In and through Jesus we get a glimpse of heaven ... we come near to heaven ... we see God's intent for us and the world. Through Jesus I see heaven as God's incredible love for us bursting open the tomb of death and providing God's children with life beyond death.
What this eternal life will look like has been written about in Revelation. In various places we hear it talking about a place that needs, "no sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light." Or, we read about a "... the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband." This implies that heaven will come to earth? Many other images can be found in Revelation. But, because of the nature of Revelation (apocalyptic literature) to take what it says literally would be a mistake.
Instead, I turn from Revelation to Jesus' words in John, "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
I trust these words from Jesus. In Jesus' hands all will be well.
Now, will those who have died before me "find" me? I trust we will be with those we loved and those who loved us. I don't think it will be a matter of "finding" each other. We will be with God and with those who have gone before us. All will be well. Exactly how this happens...I don't have the facts ... I have God's Word though. I will trust what Jesus has said. I will put my eggs in that basket! It will be wonderful!
LGL
Pastor Dave
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Hard Questions
At the end of a recent sermon, I asked worshippers to share any questions about faith, theology (the study of God), religion, doubt, or spirituality with me. So far, I have received ten questions. I have grouped those that are similar. Here they are:
How was God created?
How do we really know there is a heaven? Do you think our loved ones in Heaven will find us when we die?
Is there a literal hell after death? If one has committed sins against the creator, why is it a surety that one will not dwell in the depths of hell? HE cannot forget, I surely never will, though countless years have passed.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow evil in our world?
Is it wrong to question every word in the bible? How can we determine which parts of the Bible should be taken literally and which parts should be taken metaphorically? Example: creation, Resurrection, miracles (walking on water, water into wine at Cana, heaven-hell, virgin birth)
What is God’s position on happiness and laughter? I looked it up, there are 365 positive scriptures in the Bible. Yet, they are rarely preached upon. Most sermons are sermons based on a calendar. How does God feel about us being happy?
These are important, good and straightforward questions!!! I thank those who have submitted them!
Over a period of time, I plan on addressing these questions. One way is in this blog.
Now remember, I am not "right" in any answer I give. I'll share what I believe ... that is, "the basket I put my eggs in." The truth is, this side of heaven, we cannot know for sure! But, we have wonderful resources to rely on and trust: scripture, the interpretation of scripture, tradition, experience and common sense. I'll give my best shot at providing slants on issues that I have pondered for the last 50+ years.
Here is the first question I'll address: How was God created? This is a great question!!!
Hmmm ... It is very difficult for "created" human beings to imagine, let alone grasp the concept that something wasn't created. We have a beginning and an end, a birth and a death. We live straight-line lives. Our lives are marked by a birthdate and a deathdate. We have past, present and future.
As Christians we claim that God was neither created nor dies. God is without beginning and without end. God does not "live" in the same way humans live. Inadequate words hint at it ... God always was, always is, and always will be. (You see it is tough to talk about God without referring to time: past, present, or future.)
One theologian (I forget who ... may Cullman, or Dodd?) speaks of our living on a TIME-LINE. All that we know is restricted to a dimension that includes time ... such as creation of the earth, dinosaurs, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, Jesus, NOW, tomorrow, the future, the end of the earth. We live "captured" the sense of time. So, our primary way of describing existence is through time.
But, God is above or beyond earthly time. God is not constricted by time ... by past, present and future. God is beyond it.
God is able to have within his "sights" the moment of the big bang, the creation of Adam and Eve, the birth and death and resurrection of Jesus, my birth, my death, my great-great-great-grandkids, and the end of the earth ... all at the same "time." At any "time" God can view the entire scope of human existence. (See you can't even talk about God without using the human limit of "time"..,)
So, I believe that God was not created. I believe (to use inadequate words) God always was, always is, and always will be.
Man, oh man, I bethca that confused everybody!!!
Pastor Dave
How was God created?
How do we really know there is a heaven? Do you think our loved ones in Heaven will find us when we die?
Is there a literal hell after death? If one has committed sins against the creator, why is it a surety that one will not dwell in the depths of hell? HE cannot forget, I surely never will, though countless years have passed.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow evil in our world?
Is it wrong to question every word in the bible? How can we determine which parts of the Bible should be taken literally and which parts should be taken metaphorically? Example: creation, Resurrection, miracles (walking on water, water into wine at Cana, heaven-hell, virgin birth)
What is God’s position on happiness and laughter? I looked it up, there are 365 positive scriptures in the Bible. Yet, they are rarely preached upon. Most sermons are sermons based on a calendar. How does God feel about us being happy?
These are important, good and straightforward questions!!! I thank those who have submitted them!
Over a period of time, I plan on addressing these questions. One way is in this blog.
Now remember, I am not "right" in any answer I give. I'll share what I believe ... that is, "the basket I put my eggs in." The truth is, this side of heaven, we cannot know for sure! But, we have wonderful resources to rely on and trust: scripture, the interpretation of scripture, tradition, experience and common sense. I'll give my best shot at providing slants on issues that I have pondered for the last 50+ years.
Here is the first question I'll address: How was God created? This is a great question!!!
Hmmm ... It is very difficult for "created" human beings to imagine, let alone grasp the concept that something wasn't created. We have a beginning and an end, a birth and a death. We live straight-line lives. Our lives are marked by a birthdate and a deathdate. We have past, present and future.
As Christians we claim that God was neither created nor dies. God is without beginning and without end. God does not "live" in the same way humans live. Inadequate words hint at it ... God always was, always is, and always will be. (You see it is tough to talk about God without referring to time: past, present, or future.)
One theologian (I forget who ... may Cullman, or Dodd?) speaks of our living on a TIME-LINE. All that we know is restricted to a dimension that includes time ... such as creation of the earth, dinosaurs, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, Jesus, NOW, tomorrow, the future, the end of the earth. We live "captured" the sense of time. So, our primary way of describing existence is through time.
But, God is above or beyond earthly time. God is not constricted by time ... by past, present and future. God is beyond it.
God is able to have within his "sights" the moment of the big bang, the creation of Adam and Eve, the birth and death and resurrection of Jesus, my birth, my death, my great-great-great-grandkids, and the end of the earth ... all at the same "time." At any "time" God can view the entire scope of human existence. (See you can't even talk about God without using the human limit of "time"..,)
So, I believe that God was not created. I believe (to use inadequate words) God always was, always is, and always will be.
Man, oh man, I bethca that confused everybody!!!
Pastor Dave
Monday, April 23, 2012
Shocking
It was shocking. When I first heard that a father/husband had shot and killed his daughter and wife, and, had critically injured his other daughter ... I just shook my head.
Then, I went back to whatever I was doing.
The next day, when a phone call alerted me ... that I knew the mother who was killed ... that she was a babysitter for my children, and, for the children of many in the parish I used to serve ... that she was the niece and cousin of members here at St. Matthew ... it was then that I was stunned, numbed, shocked beyond words.
What do we say when evil happens? What do we say?
One thing I hold dear, believe with all my heart ... is that the terrible killings, shootings were NOT a part of God's will. There was NO reason for it. It was not a part of any greater plan that God might have.
No, the deaths were signs that evil is alive and well in our world. The deaths were signs that we live in a Good Friday world, where bad things happen to some wonderfully good people. The deaths were signs that none of us are exempt from the destructive ways of this world.
I also know that many, when viewing this or any other evil event, may ask, "Where was God when all this happened?" This question is asked often. It is asked when natural disasters strike. It is asked when the innocent are killed, when the unthinkable becomes headlines.
Well ... where is God when all these bad, evil things occur? Where is God?
This is what I believe -God is with the victim. I believe God was on the receiving end of the shotgun blast. I believe God "drowns" with the victim of the tsunami. After all, this is the message of cross. God in Christ suffers with us! For us!
And, God has a remarkable answer to these questions and thoughts. That answer is, Good Friday does not have the last word!
Easter does! On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead! Easter happened. Easter happens! Easter wins! This is the promise of the resurrection. This is the hope we have. This is the clarion call of the gathered church when we cry, "Alleluia. Christ is risen." And all cry in response, "Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!"
Good Friday does not win. On the third day ... Easter happens. Easter wins! This I believe.
Pastor Dave
Then, I went back to whatever I was doing.
The next day, when a phone call alerted me ... that I knew the mother who was killed ... that she was a babysitter for my children, and, for the children of many in the parish I used to serve ... that she was the niece and cousin of members here at St. Matthew ... it was then that I was stunned, numbed, shocked beyond words.
What do we say when evil happens? What do we say?
One thing I hold dear, believe with all my heart ... is that the terrible killings, shootings were NOT a part of God's will. There was NO reason for it. It was not a part of any greater plan that God might have.
No, the deaths were signs that evil is alive and well in our world. The deaths were signs that we live in a Good Friday world, where bad things happen to some wonderfully good people. The deaths were signs that none of us are exempt from the destructive ways of this world.
I also know that many, when viewing this or any other evil event, may ask, "Where was God when all this happened?" This question is asked often. It is asked when natural disasters strike. It is asked when the innocent are killed, when the unthinkable becomes headlines.
Well ... where is God when all these bad, evil things occur? Where is God?
This is what I believe -God is with the victim. I believe God was on the receiving end of the shotgun blast. I believe God "drowns" with the victim of the tsunami. After all, this is the message of cross. God in Christ suffers with us! For us!
And, God has a remarkable answer to these questions and thoughts. That answer is, Good Friday does not have the last word!
Easter does! On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead! Easter happened. Easter happens! Easter wins! This is the promise of the resurrection. This is the hope we have. This is the clarion call of the gathered church when we cry, "Alleluia. Christ is risen." And all cry in response, "Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!"
Good Friday does not win. On the third day ... Easter happens. Easter wins! This I believe.
Pastor Dave
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Chardon
We used to play the Chardon Hilltoppers in football and basketball. I remember when Don Delaney (former Cav's coach) was the head coach of the high school team. An acquaintance is a teacher and coach at the school right now.
I heard the radio news bulletin as I was driving in Monday morning. Not much was known then. Some correct and some incorrect information was being gathered. That would be the case for the next couple of hours.
As I drove by Medina H.S. and Claggett M.S. I offered a prayer for the teachers, students, parents and administrators. Medina police were already being called to keep our children and school staff safe.
Now we know that three children died. Thankfully one has been released. One remains hospitalized.
All types of speculation has occurred as to the reasons for the alleged shooter's rampage. Everybody has an opinion ... from the NRA to the anti-NRA types, from the conservatives to the liberals.
As Christians, we are called to pray for all those hurt, and, that includes every student and teacher and parent and administrator who enters any school daily.
And, we are called to pray for the perpetrator and his family. While I can't imagine being informed that my child had been shot, I also can't imagine being told that a child I loved had been a shooter.
So, pray for Chardon and Medina today. And, pray for all our little ones.
I heard the radio news bulletin as I was driving in Monday morning. Not much was known then. Some correct and some incorrect information was being gathered. That would be the case for the next couple of hours.
As I drove by Medina H.S. and Claggett M.S. I offered a prayer for the teachers, students, parents and administrators. Medina police were already being called to keep our children and school staff safe.
Now we know that three children died. Thankfully one has been released. One remains hospitalized.
All types of speculation has occurred as to the reasons for the alleged shooter's rampage. Everybody has an opinion ... from the NRA to the anti-NRA types, from the conservatives to the liberals.
As Christians, we are called to pray for all those hurt, and, that includes every student and teacher and parent and administrator who enters any school daily.
And, we are called to pray for the perpetrator and his family. While I can't imagine being informed that my child had been shot, I also can't imagine being told that a child I loved had been a shooter.
So, pray for Chardon and Medina today. And, pray for all our little ones.
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