Daily Archives: August 6, 2012
Timothy Keller on The Danger of Asking God, ‘Why Me?’
HT: CNN Belief Blog
When I was diagnosed with cancer, the question “Why me?” was a natural one.
Later, when I survived but others with the same kind of cancer died, I also had to ask, “Why me?”
Suffering and death seem random, senseless.
The recent Aurora, Colorado, shootings — in which some people were spared and others lost — is the latest, vivid example of this, but there are plenty of others every day: from casualties in the Syria uprising to victims of accidents on American roads. Tsunamis, tornadoes, household accidents – the list is long.
As a minister, I’ve spent countless hours with suffering people crying: “Why did God let this happen?” In general I hear four answers to this question. Each is wrong, or at least inadequate.
The first answer is “I guess this proves there is no God.” The problem with this thinking is that the problem of senseless suffering does not go away if you abandon belief in God.
Read the full article here.
Timothy Keller is a brilliant writer. A lot of people could say that for a lot of different reasons. But what makes me say it today is that I’m amazed at his ability to succinctly, clearly, and gently express his points without pulling any punches or skirting any theological issues.
If you haven’t read this article yet, be sure you take the time to. People in your church are asking “God, why me?” about their suffering. Or people in your small groups and Sunday school classes might be asking “Why do things like the Aurora shooting happen?” This article will help provide you with thoughtful, biblical answers.
Thanks, Tim!
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Tim Keller’s new book for ministry leaders, Center Church, is available for pre-order at Amazon, B&N, CBD, and wherever books are sold.
