God Is Cruel

Simply because people get sick or are given illnesses we can't cure... that's life. Perhaps that is cruel for me to say, but I'm not God and I'm not in any position to even attempt to understand or even think that I can be remotely understanding of God and what he does.

But that's the thing. People are not meant to understand. That, within ourselves, would produce us to be God. And we recognize that we're not, thus why we are posting here.

My mother is dying of cancer, her fifth round. And she has just recently been given three months to live. I suppose, now, counting down, it would be two months. I don't say that so coldly, you have no idea how that is affecting me. She has always been my best friend.

Look at it this way, at least your brother in a wheel chair still lives. I will soon not have my mother at all. But it's not for me to question. I grieve, I mourn and I'm moving just to spend the most of time with my mother that I can. But blaming God isn't the answer. Loving my mother for the time that I can is. And loving your brother and spending the time that you're given is what it's important.

And any time I'm given, wheelchair or not, means the world. God gave me those moments. God granted me these days that I will soon not have and I'm grateful.

We all die. We all perish. Not one of us will live forever, and God isn't to blame for that in my opinion. It's life. It's what we're given and we know that from the moment we're born.

I know you want a benevolent God. I do, too. And I think we have one. And the fact that we get the time we do I think speaks of how kind he truly is, no matter what the state we are put in. He could easily w0eip us out, if He wanted to. Because that seems like that's the kind of God you seem to see, and I'm so sorry that you see that point of view. But to me, benevolent is in the kindness that I'm bestowed that I have been given the last few moments with my best friend - my mother. It doesn't make it fair or easy or anything like that, but we knew what we were getting into the moment that we came into it.

I suppose benevolence is all about what you choose to see. I am just blessed with not only a different outlook, but the fact that I am given the moments that I have.

That must suck. Too bad you can't look at things differently. Seems like you are smart and creative. What about coming up with a new story line?
dazeofdolphins

I think BrokenCloud has a point. I agree, if in the child's mind they had a positive experience with going to church and believing, then that will "float their boat" in later years. Same for the opposite. And Malyce I have to disagree. I will speak for myself here, I don't believe that I had a choice in feeling the way I do. I was born without given a choice wasn't I? How could I have chosen anything else in my life? I have a shy personality and the people around me influence everything I do. I am saying I don't believe in free will. Anyone that does believe in God please answer me this, if God is all-knowing (well it depends on the God you believe), why did he create us knowing that we were going to fall? Just to point and laugh? Please PM me I would like to talk.

There are folk here that can be triggered by religion. I once was years ago, and did not attend church for a long, long time. Eventually I had to decide, was I annoyed by all the people who represented God in a terrible way..yes I was angry with them. Then I ask myself this question after I did everything I could to disown traditional religions...was I mad at the people, or mad at God.

That's when I realized that my personal interaction with God was the more important issue at hand; discounting all the hypocrites, all the well meaning, but ignorant statements...I decided to have me a straight path to the source...no go-between. no other person telling me how to relate, just me and him. Menace, I do think you will
eventually come to your own conclusions....as you may have already; but I think you might be in a flux now as to your feelings. We, who try to believe from the heart;
hope that others can have that great comforter too. I'm sorry if you have felt pressured here; because as you know, we have the right to pursue our own way of
having, or not having faith.

CgRgSm, I agree with BrokenCloud/CgRgSm as to inheirtance of religious believe, but it also entails whether we stay or go with those principals as we mature. Many do not.
For some they believe they cannot live up to the standards professed and it would be a great deal of work. Some think it is not intellectually prudent to believe in fanciful
after life. It rubs our logic raw, and creates the question "Can you prove there is a God?" I can say with clear mind; "Can you prove there is not a God?"

Just throwing some stuff out there folks for what little worth it likely has. Peace!! bj

"Iron till it be thoroughly heated is incapable to be wrought; so God sees good to cast some men into the furnace of affliction, and then beats them on his anvil into what frame he pleases." ~Anne Bradstreet

Not to have a theology discussion here, but I find comfort in the thought of a higher power. I can't say that my God is the Christian God or any other, but I do tend to worship in a Christian manner. I also relate to the beliefs of some of the Native American tribes, the Cherokee and Iroquois in particular.
Either way, I don't believe that one particular God is out there to target me or make me miserable. I believe my gift of intelligence is related to my needs that I have with bipolar, and that I have to seek out ways to remain mentally healthy.
I think all of the energies of the earth are relative.

Lots of rambling, just my thoughts!

Bluemountains

Callmebj, no, a person cannot prove there isn't a God either (I know, double negative thing but bear with me). Personally, the only thing I can know is that I exist in some form or another, it may not even be this human form (because how can you prove that the true me is not hooked up to a computer in another dimension being fed data streams that correspond to a human's 5 senses?) Ah...but back to the OP. I would like to say that my point is that you really won't help yourself by blaming God for all of your problems, now, I realize that yes, the world has many problems and it seems like something is out to get us sometimes...but we can't know for sure.

There is no "objective" truth - everyone sees life through the prism of their own minds. Just because someone agrees with the majority does not make them correct.

The person who blames God for his troubles receives admonitions and advice about how his feelings and reasonings are illogical.

The person who praises God for all his blessings and successes is never told he is ridiculous or needs counseling.

Yet each person's feelings and beliefs are based on perception that has little to do with "objective" evidence. The consistent view would be to say both are wrong (although no one ever does, directly to the "positive believer") or both are right (which no one does to the "negative believer").

Don't know what else to say about this thread...

Just think it's sad that you blame God or anything on bad experiences.

If you believe bad things are going to keep happening, then they will.

Seems like you've made your mind up about this good/bad, staying away from people cycle.

I wish you the best. :-)

I took a month off from family and friends. Although incredibly lonely, I was successful in poker (only two losing sessions in 28 days). And, I did not experience any problems.

A friend and my brother separately asked me to go out with them. I did. So, of course, I had back to back losing poker sessions. Then, my car got a flat. Now I have a sore throat.

Everyone on these boards always calls this a "coincidence." It's funny, that many, when something good happens, call it a "miracle."

To me, the evidence is irrefutable. God wants me to be alone all the time and not interact with people. He hates me being sociable - because each time I am punished.

well, the thing here is.... a flat on car or sore throat is not the end of the world. But it happens when you go out (your car will not get a flat when parked in garage and you will not be exposed to others germs at home). But these are fixable things and maybe they are worth social interaction..........

I went out every day (I drive about 60 miles per day). I am in close contact with people every day too. I just avoided all contact with family and friends over the past month and I encountered no problems. When I did interact with family and friends yesterday, all sorts of miseries occurred.

No, they are not the worst things in the world. But, I believe they are a sign from my higher power - don't have relationships with people. "If you don't interact with the human race, I will leave you alone. Otherwise, I will punish you and them."

What depresses me is it is difficult to accept God's will - for I want to have relationships and love. But when I do, those who I encounter, and myself, always have misfortune.

I don't need or want lectures from the beautiful people who God loves on how wonderful and fair is our beautiful world.

I would like help from those like me - who are ugly (inside and out), who God despises, and wants us shut away - how do you cope being cursed with always having to be alone?

Meance2Hypocrisy I feel like you in that I feel like whenever I try to reach out or be friendly with people I am always rejected and treated badly. So for the past few years I just stopped reaching out to people at all and have been alone. At first I felt just happy at the fact that I no longer was feeling much pain, but I wasnt super happy either. It was a state of numbness, but it felt better than being depressed by constantly being rejected by people. I dont think one can live alone like that forever though and get lost in that numbness. At least I couldn't, eventually that kind of life just felt like not enough for me and I want more out of life, but dont really know how to go about it.

I think god is cruel, if he exists, but I do not believe he does. A personal god that interacts in our daily lives seems a bit far-fetched to me. I think that when one doesnt have to look to god or religion for their morals and guidance in life their lives can be more meaningful actually. I think the idea of fate gives people an excuse to not take responsibility for their decisions and actions in life. When something good happens or when something bad happens they can just blame or accredit it to fate. If you accept that there is no fate, that your life isn't on autopilot and you can change your course, it means you can try to change your life for the better. How to do that is not something I can really tell you because I am struggling to figure that out in my own life as well. Im trying therapy to help me, because I know I have low self-esteem and social anxiety which effects how I interact with people,and I am sure most times I help people to reject me by acting all depressed and anxious around them.

I dont think that a cruel god exists, nor has cursed you. I just think that a lot of people in life are cruel. But not everyone is cruel. There are people that are nice and caring. You cant let yourself start to believe that all people are against you or want to hurt you. I fell into that type of thinking for awhile, and it just makes things worse for you.

Every tribe, culture, civilization has had a god or goddess and sometimes more than one. Pick a god, any god. Now you reject hundreds (thousands?) of other gods. And fairies, leprechauns, brownies, etc.
I've never seen or heard of evidence that any of these entities exist. I don't believe that they do exist. When I do see some evidence I'll reconsider.
I don't think there is a god punishing you nor that there would be any benefit or recourse to that possibility, but I hope that things get better. Extrapolation might be interesting.
I hope I haven't strayed from any community guidelines here.

Just curious, you want a relationship & love. How do you plan on being there & then not being there? Kinda hard for the potential significant other to figure out if your really interested in a serious, loving relationship.
How would you feel if someone initiated, was interested, you guys dated for however long, then that person didn't come around for a month?? I personally would be hurt & confused. If this pattern continued I would probably decide you were commitment phobic or just not that into me, but that wouldn't really be the case would it?
This is only my take about your statement & I may be totally wrong. If that is the case I apologize in advance.
Ever considered seeing a therapist to help you sort this out since you are so troubled about missing your family & friends. Religion doesn't even have to be mentioned to the therapist. Might help to have an arbitrary opinion as to why this cycle(for lack of a better word) keeps happening.
Again if I have insulted you, my apologies in advance.
Keep hoping you'll find some solace in life.

Best wishes.

A lot of depressed people are atheists. I believe as humans, our intelligence is higher than animals but in the grand scheme of things, quite limited - and our technology is thus limited. So therefore I am agnostic. I'm sure if there is a god or goddess or whatever, they will make themselves known to me in some form. Until then I will just not worry about the whole "higher power" business. I can't love a god that I don't even know exists - that would be silly SOmetimes i believe that the earth and our experience here is actually hell. But then again, I remind myself that that is probably just the depression talking. But the torture we have to endure every single day sort of reminds me of the fiery brimstone that people allegedly burn in when they go to hell. An emotional version of it! Depression talking probably. But very similar.

I am 46 years old and have never had a relationship with a woman. I have dated a few times but hated it. I am ugly inside and out and very boring to most people (I don't enjoy going out to dinner, movies, etc - I prefer reading). I don't have an engaging personality.

Besides, I know that if I got involved with someone, I would be punished by God - and so would she. I don't want to visit misfortune on anyone.

Today, even, a woman asked me to do her a favor. I did and it turned out horribly.

God wants me to be alone - that is why such incredible negative improbabilities have always happened (always) whenever I engage with people I enjoy.

I am so sick and tired of people telling me that it is luck or random chance or that I need therapy. If you flipped a coin and it came up the same way 500 times in a row, would you say the same thing to the person who felt there had been some unnatural intervention?

Some of you just don't get it. There are a few of us who certain things always happen:

- those of us who are disfigured and grotesque in appearance
- those of us who always are punished when we do a good deed

I will give you an example. I washed both my cars yesterday. Today, I went outside and both my cars, parked a block away, were the filthiest on the street. Whenever I wash my cars, and I do something nice for someone, the next day they are covered in dirt. When the cars right next to them are still clean. Every single time. How does this happen? How do you consider it explainable?

That is just a very tiny example but I could cite a dozen types of events that happen every day whenever I spend time with people I like or love. If I just keep to myself and stay away from people, these things just don't happen. I would wash my car and the next day it would still be clean.

That's why when I say I need help it's not from the beautiful people who don't understand this - the people who God loves and cares for. I need help from people like me, and there are some, who God hates as to how to cope with being forever alone.

I have seen a psychologist - and he was as helpful as all the doctors who failed to fix my ugly exterior.

Hey, Menace2Hypocrisy, I am 22 and never been with a girl at all. I'm almost certain that when I reach your age that will remain the same. I don't like seeing movies and I have a very shy personality. I understand when it feels like its better to not get involved/say anything. I have made a vow to myself in real life to never speak unless specifically requested to do so for that reason (the internet is different). I don't think there is such a thing as luck, random chance, magic, or gods/goddesses (except really hot girls of course). I am saying "I don't think" at this time because I can't prove anything. I think that everything that happens happens for a reason. Everything is cause and effect. You have two people combining their genes to make new life, and the result is based off of both of those people's gene pools. I'm not trying to insult you or anything, and I'm sorry that you feel that you look how you describe. Also keep in mind, beauty is in the eye of the beholder... there are plenty of people that I cannot understand why they were able to have kids cause to me, they are so unattractive.

Anyways, about your car, yes, I am sure that there is a logical explanation for what happened to make it so dirty. Now, we may not know what that is, and it may be time to say just that. Say, "Ok, I don't know why my car is so dirty" but don't blame god that it is because he hates you, that is just plain silly. Nobody on planet earth can prove without a doubt that God is real. I think its time for us all to just say, Alright, you know what, I can't know if there is a God or not, so I'm not going to worry about it.

I don't see things as "good" or "bad", I see them for what they are. I don't see things as "punishment" or "reward", I see them as somebody doing something to somebody else. That's it. Cause and effect.

hello, im very sorry to hear that you are going through this... i was just reading about this i nthe bible the other day.. i dont remeber what book but it tells the story about the theis guy in the biblical times on how he has alot of animals and chilren along with a wife. he was the wealthiest man. then the devil came to god and said im sure that if i were to take all of his belongins that he will surely turn to me... so God said fine you kill aff everything in his posestions but dont lay a finger on him.. so the devil went out and he killed his animals, then his children, then his wife... the man dropped to his knees and cryed out to god blessing him.... This was just a test to show god that he is faithful and as long as he is faithful then god will bless him when he gets to heaven... im not trying to chang your mind i just was hopeing you can understand. God is testing you so that you can be blesssed even thought the world is being cruel.. i hope yo9u get everything you want in life and i hope this helps you

Well, I spent an entire month avoiding family and friends. I did play poker each day - and had my longest winning streak ever - 22 consecutive days of winning.

However, I crossed God and was punished. I decided to visit my father and Dad. The result? Of course, I haven't had a winning day in poker for 7 days (incredible bad luck on hands), my car broke down. I started playing chess online but every time I added a "friend" the system broke down.

I had 14 years of sobriety. But what's the use. I started drinking again. God wants me alone with no one in my life. I told my family a lie so I could avoid them on Easter - I don't want God to crush them too just because I this horrible, hated, despised dispicable human being dared to care for or love another person.

The fact is - God loves the vicious and savage. If you do good, He will punish you severely. He wants everyone alone and depressed and sorrowful. He thinks it's funny.

Seriously? You still not interested in reason? Do yourself a favour and denounce this god you speak of. Believing in him is of no use to you as it stands.
.
But wait... If you do that, who would be your scapegoat then? On 2nd thought, keep doing what you're doing, you're getting something out of it, so it's working for you, even if nobody else understands it.
.
Don't worry, I won't respond anymore, I don't want to upset you, I just wanted to help you see your cognitive distortion, but you don't want help or support, you want people to agree with you, and join in your God smear campaign and I can't do that.
.
Take care and goodluck.

Why is it that no one calls those that praise God for their blessings insane? It is left to the few of us who see His hand in misfortune to be labeled with "cognitivie distortion."

I used to be an atheist. That is until I found that any act I took of commaradarie with the human race, in each and every instance, over 30 years, resulted in brutality for me or those I was involved with - incredible misfortune of the worst order - in each and every instance.

It became readily apparent that my atheism was misplaced - there is a higher power who enjoys punishing some of us for his amusement. Those of you not savaged by his cruelty might spare the sanctimonous drivel.

The fact is the world is filled with people being bombed and starved out of existence - and there are those of us with means tortured by savage emotional cruelty. Those blessed enough to not care about anyone else, who consume and are ignorant of human suffering, God has chosen to make the beloved.

I want and need help - but not from God's chosen people. I need help from those, who like me, who God hates and wants to see in constant emotional pain. How are those of us in that situation supposed to cope?

As far as I can tell, there appears to be no answer. Life sucks and you're supposed to hurt - unless you decide to hate your fellow man and join the vicious and cruel. The God will reward you.

Because faith was constructed to help us live and guide us and make us better people.

Not to have tool to self-torture, prevent ourselves from living and punish ourselves. No offense, but if humanity interpreted in faith you do, we'd be long since dead, because nobody would leave their caves.

I do sometimes joke that deities troll on us... but given the overall picture, how people survived through the bad... I don't think you are right. YOu feel God picked you in particular? Based on minor incidents?

hmmm.... go talk to a rabbi or something. It might actually be a lotta enlightening to you.

"brutality and misfortune of the worst order"...
.
I hope you are N0T referring to poker games and dirty cars.
.
We are not puppets, we have free will, and what we choose to do with it, has consequences. People start wars and commit crime. People, not God.
.
You choose to blame God for your misfortune, and that's your prerogative, people have the right to their beliefs. I can believe God is a floating hippo in a pink dress if I want. All we are trying is to help you see a different perspective, 1 which may benefit and empower you, instead of leaving you feeling stuck with a victim complex.

No, I don't consider poker or a broken car misfortune of the worst order.

As a child, I was brutalized by a father who beat me and mother who molested me. Both my parents had problems - my father an alcoholic and mother was just ill.

I disappeared into alcoholism. The only relief I ever had from my misery. I gave up family and friends entirely. I finally the misery stopped.

My father got into recovery and was a changed man. My mother died. Eventually, I gave up booze too. And I rejoined my family.

Within months, my brother was in wheelchair - MS just happened to him. He never did anything wrong. And then, I noticed, that every time I was with family or friends, bad things always happened.

And, yes, I play poker every day. When I am away from family, I win almost every day. When I am with family or friends, I almost always lose.

Two years ago, I went on vacation with my brother and his wife. I ruined their trip because I suffered a gallstone attack and pancreatitis and nearly died - they had to cancel their vacation as I was hospitalized for 10 days.

Yes, I know that bad things happen from time to time to everyone. What I am saying, is there is a clear and undeniable relationship, over the span of 14 years, that whenever I have contact with anyone I like, something bad will happen to them or me. When I stay away, they almost always thrive.

I am pretty grotesque man - broken teeth, horrible skin. I have tried to medically have these things taken care of but they always fail. God has made me this way so people will stay away - fortunately most do (no one cares about the ugly).

Rather than dismiss what has happened to me, it is you who doesn't understand because God doesn't hate you.

My brother goes weeks without MS attacks. But after I visit him, almost always he has one and has to be assisted by medical staff. During the recent month I was away, no attacks.