Thursday, September 30, 2010

The PostScript: Finding Meaning in Pain

Why has God continued to exist long after people have written him off as dead?

Nietzche first wrote God as dead in 1882. Time Magazine wrote off God in 1966. And yet, God continues to be real in many peoples lives. There are of course as many reasons for the life of God as there are people who believe in Him, but I want to focus on one today.

God still exists because we still hurt. There is still pain in our lives. And God can provide meaning to that.

Have you ever house-trained a dog? You're supposed to grab the dog, rub it's face in the mess, and swat it. Over time, the dog learns not to leave messes in the house.

What happens if you don't swat the dog when it messes, but instead swat it randomly? The dog develops neurosis and never learns.

So for humans... Having (a) God helps us put meaning behind the 'swats' in life. Otherwise, we end up like the Dread Pirate Roberts, who said - "Life is pain! Anyone who says differently is selling something."

Thus, until someone can take away all pain and longing in the world (hint: won't happen), God will continue to remain alive and very healthy.

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