(October 5, 2021 at 2:13 pm)gracerutherford Wrote: What's an example of something God does that isn't considered benevolent? We can use the words benevolent and good interchangeably here, since they mean the same thing. How would you define "good," as the opposite of evil?
Some people define good as creating or causing pleasure/happiness, and (inversely) preventing suffering, pain, and unhappiness. It's not so easy a thing to define good once you start trying.
Quote:If God is good, then is the opposite of evil. As described in the Bible, God hates evil. Because He is a fair and just God, He must give punishment to those who deserve it. However, He is also a gracious God and offers second chances.
Evil hates evil, too. Hating evil doesn't make you good. Maybe the second chances thing... but I'd argue that you'd need to be consistent on that to be considered good for it. HOW many times does one have to look back before they are turned into a pillar of salt? What about not offering everything you own to Paul's cult? How many times can you do that before you're stricken dead?
Quote:And how does God not fit into your vision of what good is?
Others have mentioned it. The eternal suffering thing. I agree with their assessment.