pg 363
A: i dont understand this omnipotent-benevolent thing.
B: you have been reading scripture
A: i try
B: you are confused because the Bible describes God as an omnipotent and benevolent deity
A: exactly
B: omnipotent-benevolent simply means that God is all-powerful and well-meaning
A: i understand your concept. its just that there is a contradiction
B: yes. the contradiction is pain. man's starvation, war, sickness...
A: exactly! terrible things happen in this world. human tragedy seems like proof that God could not possibly be both all-powerful and well-meaning. if he loves us and has the power to change our situation, He would prevent our pain, wouldn't He?
B: would He?
A: well. if God loves us, and He can protect us, He would have to. it seems He is either omnipotent and uncaring, or benevolent and powerless to help
B: do you have children?
A: nope
B: imagine.. you had an eight-year-old son. would you love him?
A: of course
B: would you let him skateboard?
A hesistated
A: yeah i guess. sure i'd let him skateboard. but i'd tell him to be careful.
B: so as this child's father you would give him some basic, good advice and then let him go off and make his own mistakes?
A: i wouldnt run behindf him and mollycoddle him if that's what you mean.
B: but what if he fell and skinned his knee?
A: he would learn to be more careful
B smiled
B: so although you have the power to interfere and prevent your child's pain, you would choose to show your love by letting him learn his own lessons?
A: of course. pain is part of growing up. its how we learn
B: exactly
it may seem utterly retarded that i chose to type this out. but. many have questioned why we suffer. considering that there is a presence of a all-powerful but yet loving God. this is a clear example about why its this way. read, appreciate and enjoy. and my typing will not go to waste=)
taken from angels and demons by dan brown
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