Faith in a loving God.....?

by Jorob Cooke

I have just read your article on Einstein's apparent exchange with his professor. (www.jesus-resurrection.info/god-vs-science.html) My question is regarding the assertion that evil is the absence of God. If pain and suffering is caused by those who do not have the love of God in their lives, who do not have faith in a loving God, why are so many wars based on religion? How do terrorists fit in this scenario as they are allegedly also following their own God. I struggle with this and look forward to your reply.

Response:

Good question. What you are asking is, I think, how is it possible for people who would, it seem, claim to have the love of God in their lives, to instigate and participate in wars for religious motives?

I think the answer has to do with an understanding of what it means to have the love of God in your life. There is an obvious discrepancy here. It would seem to me that such people who are willing to kill others do not have the love of God in their lives. Jesus said:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

There are false religions and false members in every religion. Just because someone claims to be a believer or has their name on the membership list of some religious organization does not mean that they are right with God. A true relationship with the true God comes about through faith in Him by reading His word:

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

As our faith grows and we learn of His loving character we will be transformed into His likeness and such people will want to keep His commandments. This, of course, includes the command:

"Thou shalt not kill." (Exo 20:13)

Such people could never engage in war. This whole change comes about as a result of an understanding of His great love for us:

"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Read the gospels to see how Jesus always treated everyone with love. See my pages on Jesus' Character for more on this topic.

Terrorists, of course, are, for the most part following a god/religion that is quite separate from the true God.

I hope that helps.