Fao Theland

[andy-hughes]

Theland, I did ask this question on the thread in News, but I think it deserves a separate discussion -

As a Christian I am assuming that you follow the belief that God has a 'plan' for each of us.

What do you believe is his 'plan' for the victims of the recently deceased paedophile who has been murdered in prison?

[AuntPollyGrey]

What a strange question. I would think, if you believe in God, that his plan would be to give them the spiritual strength to recover from their ordeal.

[andy-hughes]

Why would a loving God give them the ordeal in the first place?

[AuntPollyGrey]

you tell me andy, maybe the devil got to him first and he became a servant of the Darkness. Not exactly my specialist subject to be honest

[Bobbisox1]

If there’s a God, this vile creature should rot in HELL !!

[GymLadTim]

Hi Andy, what do you say to the free will argument. I am no expert on Christian theology but my understanding is that some Christians believe that God gave humans free will - and therefore people can do bad things like this man did. So there is not a plan as such people choose their own destiny.

[Mozz71]

Seriously Andy, you're laying bait down for an obvious argument and it's beneath you.

If God exists, He may well have completed His plan for the nonce, now he's no longer breathing, but regardless, how is Theland meant to answer your question? Is he meant to second guess God?

[andy-hughes]

GLT - // Hi Andy, what do you say to the free will argument. I am no expert on Christian theology but my understanding is that some Christians believe that God gave humans free will - and therefore people can do bad things like this man did. So there is not a plan as such people choose their own destiny. //

That is the standard Christian reply, and as an atheist, I find it the biggest load of catch-all cop-out nonsense I have ever heard.

My point is not the 'free will' or otherwise of the paedophile, it's the absence of 'free will' for his victims, what's the 'plan' for them?

[andy-hughes]

Mozz - // Seriously Andy, you're laying bait down for an obvious argument and it's beneath you. //

I absolutely am, and I don't feel it is 'beneath me' in any way.

Theland regularly comes on this site preaching about his beliefs and how his God is the one we all need, etc. ad nauseum, and as a devout Christian, he is, by his own admission, compelled to 'spread the word'.

Now is his chance - I want to know what a Christian thinks is God's 'plan' for allowing children to be abused for the pleasure of an adult?

// If God exists, He may well have completed His plan for the nonce, now he's no longer breathing … //

Shall we try moving away from the 'plan' for the paedophile who did indeed enjoy 'free will', and move towards his victims, who clearly did not, and ask what God is doing allowing it to happen?

// … but regardless, how is Theland meant/to answer your question? Is he meant to second guess God? //

He can do whatever, it is his 'cross to bear' to be a Christian and live by his God's word.

I am simply pointing out one topical example of how his God allows horrible things to happen to utterly undeserving children, and I am curious to find what his explanation is, and as a Christian, who preaches on here as often as he does the wonders of God, I think it's reasonable to ask him to offer one.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with Mozz on this one, I am no apologist for anyone including Theland but what you are asking of a rather ill man is too burdensome and an imponderable question that no one can answer.

[Mozz71]

Theland's need to spread the word of his beliefs is no better than your need to get your opinion on the matter across. Tubthumping Jesus freaks or aggressive Atheists? You're as bad as each other mate.

I stay up here on my wall of Agnosticism.

[Spicerack]

I don't think this is going to go quite the way you were hoping, andy.
My advice. Shut it down.

[Theland]

Andy, God does indeed have a plan for each of us.
His plan is for each and every one of us is to follow Jesus Christ and become and become more like Him.
But this is only achieved through obedience to Him, and of course obedience is a choice of free will.
Look no further than me to see a disobedient believer who succumbs to temptation after temptation.
Be like Him, not like me.

[Theland]

Mozz - I will try to answer any question asked, and often offer my unsolicited opinion, but tub thumping preaching? Not me. Not my particular skill.

I have often posted YouTube links that are interesting and informative, and provide evidence for my views but then get admonished for doing so.

[Mozz71]

The land, the "tubthumping Jesus freak" line was meant as a direct counterpoint to Andy's

[Mozz71]

(cont..)
rather nasty attitude. You know that you and I haven't always seen eye to eye on here, but although we have differing views, I usually find that your heart is in the right place. This thread just seemed like an excuse for the OP to try and score some cheap points against you.

[Mozz71]

Sorry about the split post, that's what happens when I post before waking up properly.

[Spicerack]

If ever there was a thread you should have avoided, theland, it was this one.
All the (good) people above who put themselves on the line to save you from the mob must wonder why they bothered. I, for one, won't be intervening on your behalf again.
You're your own worst enemy. I think you must enjoy the slings and arrows as long as you're centre stage playing the martyr.

[Theland]

Spicerack- I honestly do not try to play the martyr.
I try my best to post honestly and without causing offence.
It is delightful to be opposed when such opposition is within the parameters of good manners and friendliness.

[Theland]

Andy - I am not,offended by the tone of your posts, on the contrary it is an excellent point you have raised and one I shall try to comment on.
There is an excellent video by Prof John Lennox of Cambridge university on this very point.
With respect I shall find it and post it.
Thank you.

[Mozz71]

*SMH*

Well, I tred. I'm with you on this one Spicy. Over and out.