thanks, god.

[LukeMC]

@LukeMC:

Hard for God to do yet possible for chance? That doesn't work. But I think we're both talking about the same thing. For this physical universe to be what it is, those things you describe as horrific have to be a part. Given other permutations: other outcomes would result. Would they be less or more horrific? I don't agree with the notion that God should have made a cotton candy world where everything would be nicey nicey and sadness wouldn't exist. To me that would be the grotesque reality over this one.

1) Chance.
I find the universe being the way it is by chance far more likely than a limitless, infinitely powerful and knowing entity which consciously plots out and creates a universe for the purpose of human life. In the least offensive way possible, I find such an idea rather arrogant of humans.
Furthermore, the chances of this universe having these configurations might not necessarily be 1/infinity. String theorists are looking to investigate into the nature of strings and how they are shaped and interact (if they exist) and the results could give us the first clear indication as to why the universe is the way it is and how likely it is that another universe if started from scratch would develop the same configurations. There's a TedTalk on this if anyone wants a link.
The point is, when you say chance, you haven't put too much depth into how high or low this chance is. If we live in a multiverse, we may just be an unlikely exception, or perhaps other universes are quite similar to ours. I think eventually scientists will be able to tell us what the chances actually are. I'll admit my argument here is weak, but I'm just pointing out that you shouldn't dismiss chance.

2) Cotton Candy World
Why do you feel it necessary that innocent people suffer painful deaths? Sure it is nice to feel a wide range of emotions, but the slaughter of innocents is a little extreme for a loving God in my opinion. Emotional turmoil and hardships I could understand. Innocent people who have worked hard in life being killed mercilessly in the way God intended... what about them? They don't gain from it, nor appreciate it. They die. They're cut out of existence entirely. It's all good spicing our lives up with troubles and tribulations, I just think the needless slaughter serves little to the people involved. They feel pain and then die. YES we outsiders can learn from this (though it is still evil means to a minutely good end) but the people themselves. What's in it for them?

Thanks.