The Problem of Evil

I'm an atheist at heart. I'm a skeptic. I tend to be a "believe it when I see it" kind of guy. I like science. I like the linear progression of the evolution argument. And, frankly the creation story is vague and seems to have a lot of holes.

So, why can't I be an Atheist? Because Atheism doesn't properly explain the human condition. Why are we superstitious and afraid of death, when it is as natural as birth and occurs just as often? (one out of every one living creatures die) Why did morality evolve when "survival of the fittest" and "might makes right" works for the entire rest of creation? Why did religion evolve? How do you explain so called "paranormal" events documented objectively?
And, most important to me.. How do you explain the intelligence and personality of evil?

While most of us resist it rather well, evil tugs on us all. No one has to teach a child to be evil. A child becomes both selfish and defiant all on their own. Occasionally through history, evil has developed specific plans. That so many countries ignored or allied with the Nazis for so long. That can't be laid solely at the feet of Hitler's insanity. Militant racial groups of all types go far beyond the principals of homogeny.

Why are we tempted by infidelity? We've made decisions of monogamy, and a society that apparently evolved monogamy. And yet debauchery , real or virtual, taunts us, and presents it's self in almost impossible situations, as if by design.

Where do serial killers come from? What other species produces rogues that kill their own as a matter of routine.

Why are the vast, overwhelming majority of us repelled by pedophila when there is no biological reason against it. All other animals mate when they come of age. And, since it IS so naturally wrong, even for amoral Atheists, where do pedophiles come from?

Human nature is not natural. Our conscience makes us unique in nature. We almost universally agree their is a right and wrong. We disagree where to draw the line, but we do seem to have some absolutes. Killing another human being who presents you no mortal danger is , to the best of my knowledge, universally wrong. And only manipulating the terms of "human being" and "mortal harm" ever gets us around that.

And, since we seem to have "evolved" this high moral code, and yet now we are slipping into accepting things previous generations found abhorrent, how does that fit into the promise of continual improvement of evolution?

No, evil is real and present. And evolution does not explain it. Science does not explain it. And so far, I have been presented with only one practical solution to the problem of evil. There is an adversary, and Man was corrupted. And only one thing has ever acknowledged that reality and presented a viable solution to the problem of evil. That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only in Him is there a redemption I know I cannot attain in and of my self. And that is why, despite my natural inclination of disbelief, and a desire to be free of moral absolutes, I continue to be a Christian.

Oh, there is one other thing. A profound and personal experience with an overshadowing force of good outside of my own will and conscience, that I have come to know as the Presence of God. But that's a post for another time.

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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

Platypi Online: The Platypus Portal

This one is for the family

Exodus 20:7 "You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name."

I don't speak or read Hebrew, so if I am way off, you can let me know. I have, however, looked at several translations, and I feel pretty good about what I am about to say.

I think this verse has nothing to do with profane utterances of our terminology concerning the Godhead. Wether it be G Damn, or J Christ or whatever, I think there is a much larger point at stake. (Not that I am dismissing the wrongness of such language)

The only other time I can think of when somebody takes another's name, is when a wife takes a husbands name. This is one of our (as believers) most sacred covenants. Now, how would a man feel if his wife went about flirting and free as if she had never married? What about men who take off their wedding ring when they see an attractive woman? I think this idea is more closely related to the dangers of taking a name in vain.

You became the bride of Christ on your redemption. Do you live like a married person, or do you flirt? Do you take your ring off when you see something attractive? Me, I have been making a real effort to maintain the speed limit. It's hard, when people are passing you at 70 mph in a 45 zone. Or when the speed of traffic on the freeway is 85. But I am trying. Why? Because lawlessness in any form is certainly disrespectful to my covenant. I don't hit on women. That would be disrespectful to my wife. Certainly my God deserves more respect than that.

When a man cheats of his wife, he usually thinks he will not get caught. God catches you. Every time. He sees every time something evil follows www. He sees when you hate someone. He sees when you desire more for yourself at the expense of someone else.

What are you flirting with? Or cheating with? You don't have to tell me. Just wrestle with it. And find someone to help.
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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

Platypi Online: The Platypus Portal

From the "Shut the hell up" Dept.

So, according to this Metro UK article, The Juice wants to throw his hand in the ring as the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby. This is where I want to poke fun at a little OJ history, but even trashy celebrities deaths really aren't funny. You can almost certainly see where I was going though. What a Media Hooer. I've included a pic of Daniel Lynn to add veracity to Mr. Simpson's Claim. You can see how Dani Lynn has all of OJ's features. What a maroon.

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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

Platypi Online: The Platypus Portal