BruceDLimber

Greetings!

As I see it, there are three different classes of problems/difficulties:

• A few are indeed God-sent tests, as multiple scriptures confirm: "God verily will sift them and test them!"
• Some are simply random events like earthquakes and tornados.
• But many are in fact SELF-IMPOSED through our own misdeeds and perversity ("no one to blame but ourselves")!

Regards,

Bruce

dwlehning

It is so good to be back with the wonderful teachings of Baha'u'llah. The discussion here about problems, tests, difficulties, seeming defects and imperfections, etc., reminds me of what Baha'u'llah stated in one of the Hidden Words:

O SON OF BEING!

With the hands of power I made thee and with the fingers of strength I created thee; and within thee have I placed the essence of My light. Be thou content with it and seek naught else, for My work is perfect and My command is binding. Question it not, nor have a doubt thereof.

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that the creation that the Great Infinite Being of the universe we call God, is indeed perfect and creation is perfect. It is all in divine order, but our limited stage of spiritual evolution prevents us from fully comprehending that. Much is veiled from us. Sometimes it is hard, but we must rely upon God at all times.

Blessings,
David

nuone

Yes, they are very good. Earthquakes are a result of tectonic activity and without this activity, life would not be possible on Earth. This works for Tsunamis as well as they primarily result from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. As for floods, while they are terrible, they also provide great benefit when communities prepare themselves properly. The World Meteorological Organization states at least a half dozen positive effects of floods. Without floods the civilizations along the Tigris-Euphrates, Nile, Indus, Ganges and Yellow Rivers would not have developed. Presently there is research being done that would allow area that suffer frequent flooding to be an excellent source of renewable energy,

God created a universe in which life could develop. It is an ordered universe based upon immutable law of nature. The same laws that have allowed human beings to develop and thrive also make the universe a dangerous place. It's sad, but if there is to be unity between science and faith then we must accept it.

I also don't accept the argument put forward by some that children are born with terrible illnesses because of God's plan. It's based off of a false dichotomy that it's either God's intent or God's mistake. I hesitate to limit God in such a way. God transcend such dichotomies. I also can not accept that the All-Merciful intends to cause such suffering. That he would give the gift of a child to a family only to snatch it away like a cruel joke. Here I'll maintain my previous line of thinking. If there is to be unity between faith and science then we must accept the sad(mysterious) truth that the genetic differentiation and mutations that have allowed such a multitude of life to exist causes some ill in the world. In a universe founded upon reason and logic you can not have one without the other.

dwlehning

Nuone

Indeed all of these violent forces of nature are how our world works. Sadly, some of them take significant numbers of human lives such as the terrible earthquake in Haiti, but since Haiti sits at the edge of a plate boundary, it is prone to earthquakes, as are many other parts of the world. Yet as you stated, the process is one of many processes that lead to life on this world.

But, more along the lines of the original topic of this thread, I finally heard from the nearest LSA to me, and since they are over 90 miles from here, they have arranged to talk to me via phone this Wednesday to confirm my sincere request to be reinstated in the Faith. They will then send their report to our US NSA to finalize things. I should then expect to be reinstated and also receive a new membership card. So for me, this is very good and joyous news!

Love and blessings,
David

arthra

David,

Congratulations are in order... :wink

Orthodox

I infer that mistake belongs to mankind who in of itself chose to rebel against God and his command and is now suffering th consequences of that sin. God Did not make a mistake in creating humanity. However when sin entered the world the world no longer held the grace of God and thus we have suffering as a result. It is wrong for a baby to be born and for the baby to die, it serves no point, did God do it to teach the mother a lesson? Yes God has done this before, but I see no reason as to equate this to a universal level of humanity.

Death is the enemy of humanity, it is not natural.

dwlehning

I wanted to share an update on my own reinstatement status. I had the conversation with the Harrisburg LSA a couple of weeks ago, but they wanted to meet me in person. So they arranged a meeting for this Sunday. It is a long drive from here, but I consider it well worth it to meet them and show them that I am sincere. I am looking forward to a good an joyous meeting with people. I ask your sincere prayers.

Blessings,
David

arthra

You have our prayers! Meeting with the Spiritual Assembly should be just fine.. The thing is they probably want to be sure it's what you really want.

dwlehning

Thank you Arthra. I am very much looking forward to the meeting tomorrow evening.