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Global Technology Office
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Medical Student QuestionsThe following email exchange occurred in August of 2005 through leaderu.com. ------- Original Message -------- ------- Response Message -------- Dear Karen, Thanks so much for writing. I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you. You ask tough and valid questions. Some of your questions there is no settled answer for, and have been debated by theologians for centuries. Let me say that I feel for your situation. You must experience all sorts of tough situations regarding suffering, and it must be hard to simply tune it out. It is wonderful that you are thinking about it in relation to God. Being a doctor, I would assume you are an intellectual and you should know that you don't have to abandon all intellect to believe in God. First, I believe in Jesus of Nazareth's existence because there are Roman and Jewish records, e.g. the historian Josephus, of a man such as him that make it undeniable. Here are some detailed documents on this topic at tecktonics.org: http://www.tektonics.org/jesusexist/tacitus.html and http://www.tektonics.org/pest/pest02.htm. Second, I believe in the writers' accounts of his miracles because there seems to be little disagreement in historical documents that they actually occurred. Third, I believe in the apostle's testimony that he was resurrected because they lived a life of persecution and endured torture and inhumane deaths for the sake of it. Plus, his enemies did not produce a body, which would have negated the whole thing. Fourth, I believe he was the son of God because his life fulfilled in astounding completeness and detail many prophecies told hundreds of years before his birth. And that brings me to the fifth, I believe the Bible was inspired by God because there are prophecies throughout the Bible that have been fulfilled, again not just in vague ways, in history - and I believe only God can tell the future so therefore the men who wrote these prophecies were inspired by God. The Bible itself claims to be inspired by God and inerrant, so if you believe any of it you have to believe all of it. Now, to some of your specific questions… In regards to suffering. God does address suffering directly and indirectly in the Bible. I personally find some answers easier to understand, and others require a little more of an intellectual mind. I'd be happy to point you in the direction of some philosophical/theological writings that would do well in exploring this subject further. For a more comprehensive treatment of this topic, see: A Good God? The Problem of Evil at http://www.leaderu.com/focus/goodevil.html (sorry, the forum isn't working/streaming at this time). Also, see: Tsunamis, Suffering & Evil: How Can an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Good God Allow It? at: http://www.leaderu.com/focus/tsunamiandgod.html. We've done a lot of thinking about this toughest question of all. These articles are a good start. One important thing to realize: what we see and experience now is not "Plan A" for the universe that the Bible says God created. The current condition of mankind and the world or our relationship to God is not the original, intended state of things, according to Scripture. God's highest angel fell--because he had free will and chose to. Man fell--same basic reason. Also, the first thing recorded as God's reaction was not only to curse (limit, for his own good) man after his fall, but to reveal a plan to redeem mankind. God allegedly plans to restore things permanently to their intended blissful, just, beautiful, harmonic state, in which our relationship to Him is regained. Additionally, the plan as laid out in the Bible is for eventual judgment/justice--wicked people and angelic beings will pay, again, by their own choice. But that means we will pay. UNLESS, we get our debt paid for, which was the reason for Christ's death in substitution for those who offend God (all of us). Can you think of a better plan when taking into account two competing values: free will and holiness/justice? For the sake of argument, God could lay off his requirements for righteousness and holiness, but that would mitigate His own character--rendering Him less than God. On the other hand, it's conceivable that God could just wipe us out--it's a Creator's prerogative, if you think about it. But He loves us (doesn't need us, but chooses to love us). That is not only good news, but if you'll allow for it rationally, is the only possible solution. My friend asked a Hindu on a plane trip, "Do you have an answer for sin, doing wrong things?" There was no satisfactory answer (certainly not the endless cycle of reincarnation, which only defers payment and perpetuates itself). I don't exalt Christ above other religious figures, He did that for me by claiming that he was the son of God. That is the core of my belief. Really, he is not a religious figure, there is no comparison. He is a compassionate God who chose the only way possible to not only reveal himself more fully, but also relate to us more completely. Regarding the passing down of Scriptural texts through the agency of men, do you really think it would have been less controversial to zap it in stone from the sky--witness the disagreement and skepticism over something produced just like that--the Ten Commandments. People will doubt and be skeptical about historical texts no matter their mode or origin. But many have tried and failed to dispute the Scripture and its authority, for example, Josh McDowell. He has done thorough scholarly research on this and other contentious issues in his New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. For a good introductory treatment on this particular topic, see Authority of the Bible: http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/auth-bib.html. And another, The Inspiration of the Bible (written for believers to answer non-believers): http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/inspiration.html. And finally: http://www.tektonics.org/ntdocdef/orality01.html. As a starting point, you may wish to read the following debates on the existence of God (or sample them): http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/menus/debates.html. Some are available for sale on tape or CD form. They deal with all of your questions and more. Many people look for religion to fulfill their needs (find fulfillment), and although a true relationship with Jesus Christ can bring peace and stability to one's life, he actually calls us to something higher than that - serving God and serving others. Jesus teaches that happiness comes from self-sacrifice, not self-fulfillment. At the same time, if we are designed for communion with our Creator, we will find maximum joy on that--and the Bible promises that, for those who trust in His way of reconnecting to the divine, they will get just that, forever. What we could not do, He did for us is the message of good news Christians talk about, and we know it from experience already. I hope this helps you some. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reply. God bless, Rebecca Lyon CLM (sponsor of Leadership University ) ------- Response Message -------- Dear Rebecca, Thank you so much for your e-mail. I have weighed up the evidence that I know of for and against and have decided I believe in Jesus. I've had a rough few years. Both my younger sisters have been diagnosed with mental illness over the last few years. I did believe in Jesus but I've found it a big struggle. I still have questions about the Bible, God and other things but I'll never know it all and I'm hoping to do an Alpha course early next year to help deal with some of my questions. Thanks again. Love Karen ------- Response Message -------- Karen, Wow, you've made my day!! To think I have another sister in the kingdom of God. Know that you are not alone in your struggle to hold onto your faith. The Bible often states that we must "hold onto" our faith, and Paul uses the imagery of running a long race to illustrate the effort it requires to stay faithful in this world. The key to remaining faithful is filling your mind with the Word of God. Alpha is a wonderful introductory course. When you are finished with that, make it a point to find a Bible Study that directly studies the Word. Minimize the amount of book or topical studies until you've read the Bible all the way through. I'd even recommend that you simply read 2-3 chapters each day starting at the beginning (Genesis) all the way to the end (Revelation) - it would take you about a year, but offers a great setting for devotional time with God. God has revealed himself in the Bible and it is the best way to get to know Him and spend time with Him. If I can EVER be of help, please don't hesitate to reply. In Christ, Rebecca Lyon CLM (sponsor of Leadership University ) |
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