Just Thinking

I recently just finished reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. And I have to say...it really made me think. It contains some really anti-religious aspects that made me think. But instead of drawing me away from my faith, it brought me closer. There are so many things that Dan Brown brings to attention that had never crossed my mind. It was such a well-reasearched book, I would keep forgetting that it was fiction. The book has multpile tabs in it that I want to talk about.
Have you ever wondered why there is so much destruction and hate in the world? I have and I could only think of one answer: "Because God wants us to be stronger." And in a way this could be true. Dan Brown says mostly the same thing in a different and more logical way. You dont have to believe this, but I believe this is the answer I was looking for.
"'Terrible things happen in this world. Human tragedy seems like proof that God could not spossible be both all-powerful and well-meaning. If He loves us and has the power to change our situation, He would precent our pain, wouldn't He?'"
The camerlengo frowned. "'Would He?'"
..."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.'"
"Do you have children, Lietenant?"
Chartrand flushed. "No, signore."
"Imagine you had an eight-year-old son...would you love him?"
"Of course."
"Would you do everything in your power to precent pain in his life?"
"Of course."
"Would you let him skateboard?"
..."Yeah, I guess," Chartrand said. "Sure, I'd let him skateboard, but I'd tell him to be careful."
"So as this child's father, you would give hiim some basic, good advice and then let him go off and make his own mistakes?"
"I wouldn't run behind him and mollycoddle him if that's what you mean."
"But what if he fell and skinned his knee?"
"He would learn to be more careful."
The camerlengo smiled. "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?"
"Of course. Pain is part of growing up. It's how we learn."
The camerlengo nodded. "Exactly." (361-362)
Brown, Dan. Angels and Demons. New York: ATRIA BOOKS, 2000.
So basically this is saying that God has the power, but human suffering is something that we must overcome it by ourselves. People always want their own independence and they want to do something by their self, but when the going gets tough...they look for some to help. Yes, we all need help every once in awhile, but we must fix our own problems. God is not just someone who is there just to help you. You have to help him also. He needs everyone to help end human suffering. Human suffering is the result of humans. God needs the help of the creators of human suffering to end it.
There is alot more I could say about this topic, but I will leave it for another time. I highly recommend Angels and Demons. It was well-writtened and if you want something that makes you think...this is perfect.