The starkest statement, and the one with the most profound implications, if it is true: "It [natural theology] has far more room in its arguments for the economy of life and death (in all its brutality) than it has for 'paradise.'" I don't believe it to be true, however. It is paralleled with the question, Does the world contain more good or bad? This can't be quantified necessarily, but just generally, Does more good happen, or bad? I suggest good. In my view, those who suggest bad, or suffering, fail to recognize general goodness and submit to painful experiences (because pain is a more quantifiable emotion and it easily overshadows good experiences).
The classic Christian trope finds its origin here: that it is easy (or perhaps insignificant) to worship God in times of ease, or even personal flourishing, but it becomes far more immediate and/or difficult during suffering.
Sierra
It is hard to see the good in the world when the bad is more often heard of and, sadly, more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there is a general goodness in the world that most fail to see as the pain is more poignant. The reality that one tends to recognize is the reality one chooses to make friends with and acknowledge day by day.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is more good than bad in the world that we fail to see. It is too easy to become focused on the bad that we never see the good, therefore making our God hard to see as well. As Christians it is important we remember that Christ can be worshiped through the suffering.
ReplyDelete