Does God Protect Us
TH101 Introduction to Theology
Tutorial Essay: Does God protect us?
Christians believe that by faith God protects them during their mortal life, moreover after their time on this earth comes to an end, with being promised salvation and an eternal dwelling in the Kingdom of God (Plantinga 2000). This protection is stated in many verses through out the bible, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (Mk. 10:52) Taking scripture readings for face value can sometimes lead to misinterpretations of the protection that God provides. The tutorial reading “Does God protect us? Security check.” by Scott Bader-Saye, responds to the way God protects us during our life. Bader-Saye points out that God’s protection isn’t one that can be called upon by a persons faith to protect us directly from misfortunes and suffering in day to day life, but a protection by way of strength drawn upon during times of weakness and suffering, with the promise of redemption (Bader-Saye 2007). We will question why it is important for Christians to understand how God’s providence works and where they will find strength in God during the midst of suffering. This topic is one of vital importance to help overcome obstacles in life and to grasp that faith in God doesn’t protect people in a way they sometimes expect to be protected.
Badger-Saye’s article begins with what he regards as bad theology. He uses a letter that was sent to his friend who was suffering with cancer to demonstrate bad theology. The Christian women said in the letter that it was God’s will that he shall be miraculously healed, all he had to do was believe. If he was not healed, she implied it would be his own fault. She assumed that God controls all events, she had to create a justification for God’s apparent inaction in this case. In response to the letter the cancer patient refuted the idea that his faith had any direct affect on how
Tutorial Essay: Does God protect us?
Christians believe that by faith God protects them during their mortal life, moreover after their time on this earth comes to an end, with being promised salvation and an eternal dwelling in the Kingdom of God (Plantinga 2000). This protection is stated in many verses through out the bible, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (Mk. 10:52) Taking scripture readings for face value can sometimes lead to misinterpretations of the protection that God provides. The tutorial reading “Does God protect us? Security check.” by Scott Bader-Saye, responds to the way God protects us during our life. Bader-Saye points out that God’s protection isn’t one that can be called upon by a persons faith to protect us directly from misfortunes and suffering in day to day life, but a protection by way of strength drawn upon during times of weakness and suffering, with the promise of redemption (Bader-Saye 2007). We will question why it is important for Christians to understand how God’s providence works and where they will find strength in God during the midst of suffering. This topic is one of vital importance to help overcome obstacles in life and to grasp that faith in God doesn’t protect people in a way they sometimes expect to be protected.
Badger-Saye’s article begins with what he regards as bad theology. He uses a letter that was sent to his friend who was suffering with cancer to demonstrate bad theology. The Christian women said in the letter that it was God’s will that he shall be miraculously healed, all he had to do was believe. If he was not healed, she implied it would be his own fault. She assumed that God controls all events, she had to create a justification for God’s apparent inaction in this case. In response to the letter the cancer patient refuted the idea that his faith had any direct affect on how
Bibliography: Artson, Bradley Shavit (1998), 'On Suffering ', Tikkun, Volume 13 (Issue 4). Bader-Saye, Scott (2007) Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear [online text], Brazos Press Garvey, John (1999), 'A God who hurts ', Commonweal, Volume 126 (Issue 17). Hauser, Richard J (1995), 'Where is God in suffering? ', Religion and Theology, Vol 172 (Iss 12). Plantinga, Alvin 'Warranted Christian Belief ', . Scovell, Rob (2004), 'Understanding God 's Plan ', Waikato Times.