Author	Thread: Good and Evil
Admin	Good and Evil Posted : 17 Feb, 2011 07:10 PM A physics teacher once asked his students whether God made both good and evil. A student answered �yes�. The teacher then said that this proved that God was evil, because �by their fruit ye shall know them.� The teacher�s conclusion was then shot down with the response that: just as cold is the absence of heat, darkness is the absence of light, so evil is the absence of good. Heat, light, good, are all measurable mater, and the absence of them causes an affect: cold, darkness, evil. However, what does the Bible say? God says in Isaiah 45:7 �I formed the Light and create darkness, I make peace, and create evil, I the Lord do all these things." He created evil. Likewise, 1 John 1:5-7 says �� (5) God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.� So, I�m just wondering how these two concepts work together? God is pure, but created evil. I feel that he created both to give us the majesty of choice. But how do you explain the presence of these two factors to someone like the physics teacher mentioned above when they ask �How come he created evil, but is good?� PS. I love the Book of 1John, as John preaches against the Gnostic theory that �the deeds we do with our bodies (which are inherently evil) cannot contaminate our souls (which are inherently good)�. I like how the apostle John puts it, (1:8) �If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us�. And (1:9) �If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness�. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 18 Feb, 2011 07:46 PM No, it's not time to put KJV away james. What you posted is complete nonsense. Too bad you can't understand the LIVING WORD. Maybe if you did, the LIVING GOD would show you calvinism is a cult. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 18 Feb, 2011 08:55 PM Bornagain, Those are some strong words...lol. I agree Calvinism has some cultish tendencies as evidenced by the actions of historical Calvinists and even the actions of James. However, I would not classify them as Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons. They are more like Catholics in the sense that they believe in Grace alone by Faith alone in Christ alone. It is just that they add some weird stuff along with it. Other than that I consider them brothers and sisters in Christ, (with some strange ideas). Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 18 Feb, 2011 10:14 PM First off, I really admire James for his wisdom on various matters. What's more, I know that being a Christian means you believe Jesus died for you, paid the price for your sins. But there are so many denominations that believe different things. Really, I respect them all. Because they are doing something for the Lord. I've been to the Catholic church, and I really admire Pope John Paul the 2nd. I think he was an amazing man, who gave his life for Poland and the church. Just because I don't believe the same as they do with some of their beliefs doesn't mean I don't greatly admire them. Alot of the healers who had stigmata were catholics, like the Bible verse says "these signs shall follow them that believe". Padre Pio was a Catholic, and a great man of God. The Mormons have their beliefs too, and so do the Jehovah's Witnesses, and I do believe they are also Christian. Because they love God, Jesus, and believe he died for their sins. I have very close friends, and 99% of what we believe is different. But because the 1% happens to be the most important, that's enough to hold us together. So I think this whole debate, though it is important, also brings out that we are all Christian, all love Jesus, and ultimately the Love of Christ unifies us, and we love each other. I personally am glad we have these forum posts where I can talk about issues with people who know so much about the Bible. You all rock for real! xx Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 18 Feb, 2011 11:47 PM Maybe cult is a strong word, but even if it's a cultish doctrine being pushed on people, I want no part of it or someone who tries very hard to cause people to believe it. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:18 james may be your brother,Two but I'm not sure he's mine. I've seen the confusion and stumbling he's caused. I certainly don't admire him. Already born again? ? Before you are drawn to Christ? No way. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 12:05 AM Okay, so Catholics, Mormons, Calvinists, Jehovah's Witnesses_________ everybody's a Christian_____ guess we have no enemies of the cross of Christ . Thinking every denomination around is of God isn't wise. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 12:10 AM I guess I'm just prejudiced against prejudice. But I respect your opinion as well. :D I think personally though that its wise not to judge, unless we're 100% sure of all the facts. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 12:26 AM Every time I'm tempted to condemn another denomination for doctrine or belief, I am reminded of what the Pharisee Gamaliel said about the apostles when they were on trial, in Acts 5:38-39: "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Different is not synonymous with bad. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 01:39 AM There's a difference between judging and knowing a false teaching or doctrine when you hear it. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6: 2, 3 We must try the spirits. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 09:48 AM As Gerard. Egan said "Don't confuse liberty with license". We are all free to "test the spirits" but we are not to emotionally abuse others by verbally attacking their beliefs systems or their credibility as an individual. I love you though. You're great. Post Reply
View Profile History	Good and Evil Posted : 19 Feb, 2011 10:41 AM Easy Chevy, I think she likes you! :excited: As for the denominational thing : I think we can judge the denomination by it's doctrine, however I do not think we are free to judge the people in it. As for Calvinism being a "cult" : I feel somewhat responsible for this as I first used the word when describing the "actions" of James. Thereforemy post to bornagaintoserve was to put out a fire I may have inadvertently caused. This is my position on this: Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons do not believe the basic essentials of Christianity, especially when it comes to the identity of Jesus. To me this makes them a "christian cult" Catholic and Calvinists believe the basic essentials of Christianity, especially when it comes to the identity of Jesus. It is just that they have "added to" the Scriptures. To me this makes them christians who gone beyond the Bible. (Bornagaintoserve, in trying to pick the right words I realized you could be right, but for now, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.) Post Reply

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