A Loving God

[robvalue]

This has thread has ended up producing some interesting thoughts, for me at least.

I want to come back to the idea of assuming some sort of higher power is in charge and ultimately knows what it is doing. I don't believe this is true obviously, but my problem with it goes much deeper. This is a really dangerous idea. It's irresponsible. If you're wrong, the implications are terrible. Even if you're right, you're putting complete faith in the fact that this power isn't actually an evil bastard of some sort and needs standing up to.

If I start refusing to act, or refusing to make decisions properly because I'm relying on a higher power, I'm not living life properly. I'm putting myself and others in potential danger. As an extreme case, "Shall I stop that rape over there? No, it's okay. Being X is allowing it, so it's okay. I don't want to interefere with its greater plan."

Even worse, "Shall I rape someone? Well, if I manage to do it, obviously being X is okay with it." Why take responsibility for any decisions? If what will be will be, and is all part of the plan, why think at all?

Of course, even the people who profess to believe in such principles act like they are not true, most of the time. They will indeed step in to do the right thing. They will take responsibility for difficult decisions. I find these contradictions very interesting, In fact. It's the times that they don't, and compromise their judgement for religious reasons, that the harm is caused.