WEEKLY WELLBEING: WHY DOES GOD ALLOW BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN TO US? - 🙏 🌨️

The age-old question of why God, in any religious tradition, allows bad things to happen to good people is one of the most perplexing and difficult theological questions. It is a question that has troubled believers for centuries and has yet to receive a satisfactory answer. Many people have asked this question throughout history, and there have been countless attempts to provide a satisfactory answer. But despite these efforts, the question remains one of the most challenging and thought-provoking of theological puzzles.

At the heart of this question is the problem of evil. The problem of evil arises because we observe evil and suffering in the world, and we wonder why a good and loving God would allow such things to happen. This question is particularly pressing for those who believe in an all-powerful and benevolent God, as it seems that such a God would have the power to prevent evil and suffering but chooses not to do so.

There are many ways that theologians and philosophers have attempted to address this question. One common response is that God allows evil and suffering in the world as a consequence of human free will. This view holds that God has given humans the freedom to choose between good and evil, and that evil is a consequence of human choices. This explanation suggests that evil is not caused by God but by humans who use their free will to make choices that lead to suffering and harm.

Another response is that God uses suffering and evil for a greater good. This view suggests that God allows suffering and evil to exist because they serve a greater purpose in God's plan. For example, suffering and evil can help to build character and foster spiritual growth, or they can serve as a test of faith and an opportunity for humans to demonstrate their trust in God.

Still, others argue that the problem of evil is not a problem at all. They suggest that it is simply part of the human experience and that the existence of evil and suffering does not necessarily contradict the idea of a loving and benevolent God. Some suggest that it is simply impossible for us humans to fully understand the ways of God, and that we must accept that there are some things we may never fully understand. 

We know that there is darkness and that there is light. There is survival and there is death. There is good and there is bad. Why exactly this is the case, we cannot give a satisfactory answer to. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they will reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with their faith in a loving God. 

However, one thing is certain, the question itself is a reminder of the great mystery and complexity of the divine. It continually challenges us to deepen our insight and understanding of the dual forces at work both in our universe, and within ourselves. 

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A Faith & Ethics Report by Duncan Williams @NewsAdvertiser

WEEKLY WELLBEING: IS PRAYER A GENUINE FORM OF COMMUNICATION? 🙏

Report by Duncan Williams @ViewNewsUK

In a world where communication is king, it's easy to overlook the power of prayer. But can prayer truly be considered the keystone of all successful communication?

At its core, prayer is a form of communication with a higher power. We might all have differing concepts of what this might actually mean to us individually. Yet it is agreed that powers greater than ourselves surround us daily - things such as gravity, time or our personally chosen deity. Whether it's through meditation, reciting prayers or simply speaking from the heart, prayer allows individuals to express their deepest thoughts, desires and fears to a force beyond themselves.

But what does this have to do with successful communication in the everyday world?

The answer lies in the importance of listening. In order for communication to be truly successful, both parties must be actively engaged in the conversation. This means not only speaking clearly and effectively, but also actively listening to the other person's words and trying to understand their perspective.

Prayer teaches us to listen, not just to the words of the person we're speaking to, but also to the voice of the divine within us and outside of us as well. By taking the time to quiet our minds and focus on our spiritual connection, we learn to be better listeners in all areas of our lives.

In this practical way prayer can help us to approach communication with a sense of empathy and compassion. When we pray for others, we're forced to consider their needs and desires, and to put ourselves in their shoes. This translates to our everyday interactions, where we can approach conversations with a sense of understanding and kindness, rather than defensiveness or aggression.

Of course, this doesn't mean that prayer is a magic solution to all communication problems. Effective communication still requires skill, practice and patience. But by incorporating prayer into our daily lives, we can cultivate the qualities that make communication successful - listening, empathy and understanding - and approach all conversations with a sense of grace and compassion.

So can prayer really be considered as the keystone of all successful communication? Perhaps not in a literal sense, but there's no denying the powerful impact that spirituality can have on our ability to connect with others. By taking time to connect with the divine, we can become better communicators, and build stronger relationships with those around us.