The Problem with Saying "Biblical"

Today at the expense of the bold Sean Raybuck, we discovered the consequence of making reference to a religious text in the middle of a philosophy class.
Background: this is the Problem of Evil, which asks the question, “Is it reasonable to believe in an omniscient, omnipotent, and omni benevolent God (O3 God), in light of pointless/unjustifiable evil?” After two and a half days of lecture, we as students were able to begin what appears to be a semester long discussion. At one point Sean asked something to the effect of, “Where do we get the idea that it is an O3 God’s role to intervene when cases of evil arise, whether it is from a Biblical, historical, (and a couple more –cal) perspective?” (My apologies if I butchered what you actually said, Sean).
It seemed that the professor only addressed why we cannot refer to religious texts to solve the problem of evil, and made the case that God actually permitted/encouraged evil, using as evidence the flood in Genesis and the wars in which Israel was told by God to obliterate certain people groups. After a few minutes one student seemed to answer Sean’s question directly when he stated that it would be an O3 God’s duty to intervene in cases of evil. To be fair, the professor came around to pointing out instance in which God in the Bible did intervene in human affairs (parting of the Red Sea, the 10 Plagues, etc.). Sean and I talked after the class, and he said that this didn’t fully answer his question in relation to free will, and although God in certain cases did intervene, is that to be his typical role?
First I would like to respond to the professor’s claim that God of the Bible permitted/encouraged certain evils, such as the destruction of whole people groups. These “evils” were actually judgments, in which the people involved were guilty of their fate. With Sodom and Gomorrah, the people were so wicked that they would sexually assault any newcomers in the city. In other instances, the people groups were a warring people (such as those at Nineveh), conquering city after city, and exploiting those they defeated as best they could. So in essence, God was destroying evil, not perpetrating it.
As far as free will is concerned, I believe it is something that we as humans are given, but at the same time, I don’t know if we have the full ability to use it. The New Testament (since this isn’t philosophy class, I’m going to reference the BibleJ), describes non-Christians as being enslaved to sin, and even being blinded to what is good. It is also said that, “no one seeks to do good, not even one” (I apologize for the lack of references). In fact, Christ came to set us free from sin. So with this in mind, one could argue that we cannot do any good at all unless Christ comes into our lives and reveals to us what is good and gives us the strength to do that which is good. As a Christian, it is an interesting thought to realize that I probably need more grace than the non-believer, since I do know what is good and what is right and have the ability to choose, but still repeatedly decide to sin.

*As I was writing this, I realized there are a lot of ins and outs with the Problem of Evil that I’m not mentioning and which I may have to explain at a later date, or just discuss with you, my readers whenever we get the chance. Since my time is limited, I don’t really proof read these things, so I may have digressed from the main point. Leave me comments and let me know your own thought and opinions.

An Exciting First Day

Well, I'm sitting in the apartment of my good friend, Justin Tucker, while a night class looms over my head (okay, I can't complain, it's Judo). I have to say my first day went very well. One professor didn't show up, due to jury duty, and my English Lit class appears to be fairly easy, considering all our tests will be objective. With out a doubt, the highlight was seeing all my friends within an hour time frame. Very few things compare to the excitment of seeing a friend, and shouting their name as they shout yours, and ask the standard "I haven't seen you in a few months" questions. Words fail. I have yet to see the great MW Rice, which I consider tragic.

I spent the past weekend on a PAWs Preview co-chair retreat. It was great getting to know everyone a little bit better, and has me excited about the upcoming semester (which will be extremely busy). Not only will PAWs preview be taking up my time, but I have CRU, which includes Journeymen and 242, 17hrs of school (6 of which require alot of reading), and volunteer stuff to do for my scholarship. It will be a good lesson in time management. Tomorrow my Problem of Evil class starts, and when I have time to make post in the upcoming semester, I'll probably be talking about this class.

Till Next time,
Dan

The Wonderful World of Luby's

My Christmas break thus far has not seemed like a break. Between traveling to see family, and working odd hours, I seem to be going non-stop. I must say though, Luby's has been much more fun the second time around (the first being in high school). More of the employees are closer to my age (as opposed to being the youngest by at least ten years), and since I know my time here is short (have to be back January 13), I've just tried to enjoy myself.
My fellow co-workers are great people to get to know, and absolutely fascinating, mostly because they are from a completely different world than I am. We are not of the same race, social class, moral/religious beliefs, or even the same language! Our only common ground is our employment at Luby's, but that seems to be enough to share laughter and have the occasional serious discussion. I think no matter who we are, we have to have something in common with the people we hang out with, and although it often seems to divide into ethnicity and social class, it doesn't always have to be that way.

Till next time.... (hopefully not a couple of weeks)
Dan Reiter