Mysteries.

To most of us God is a mystery.

Why does God answer some prayers and not others?

As a response I prefer Julian of Norwich: "A better time, a better gift...."

Why does God not act to stop evil in our world?

One answer is that if He were to do so He would be intervening all the time and there would be chaos.

But it would seem that God waits for us to realize the truth.

He does not act to judge or punish evil.

Why did God not stop Jesus' crucifixion?

I believe that in fact this was for the sake of those who crucified Jesus.

I do not believe that God was responsible or required it in some way.

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:34 (NRSV)

It was for their sake - that they might at last be saved.

Because God does not judge us or punish us.

 

God loves even those who hate Him.

And it is His Will that they be saved.

There are reasons why people hate God.

And there are reasons why people act in evil ways. 

Mostly the reason is fear or ignorance.

Mistakes made in darkness.

They will be forgiven.

And all will be reconciled to God.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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