Questions for theists.

[Statler Waldorf]

So god ordains things to happen but is not morally responsible for them?

Depends on whether he actively or passively ordains them. He is morally responsible for all of the good we see because He grants us common grace allowing us to even do good, He is not morally responsible for the evil deeds of men because He simply passively allows them to do what their evil hearts wish to do. We see this after Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, Joseph tells them later that they meant it for evil but God meant it for good. So the good that came from the situation was all God’s doing, the evil act was man’s responsibility because man had evil intentions in committing the act.

SW,

I think the reason most atheists don't get moral standards and personal accountability, is because they've seen personal accountability thrown out of the window by most Christians in their experience. You know the type, blame God for everything, rely on him for everything. I think I can see their frustrations.

Hey Tack, good to talk to you again,

I can see that, I think part of the problem is that many Christians do not understand the Biblical teachings on moral accountability. They think that people’s moral accountability is equal when it comes to good and evil deeds, when actually what we see is that men are responsible for their evil deeds but God is responsible for their good deeds because apart from His grace there are none who do good (Romans 3).

So....God is no more powerful than the Las Vegas Police Department? That explains a LOT. Thanks for the clarification.

The LVPD is not omnipotent, so I’d say he’s a bit more powerful.