Why does God let bad things happen?

I took some time after the tragedy in Connecticut before wanting to write something about it. Now that my heart has had time to calm and refocus on the truly important I found a couple incredible voices poking through the fog of anger and hostility.

The voices I heard were that of anger, and more specify anger towards “why would God let this happen”? This question has always troubled me. I feel that it has become a scapegoat to the real problem in the world. Humans are predisposed with the urge to be evil. If you think that isn't true than I am sorry to say you are wrong. People are born with the animalistic nature to survive and in that desire comes the ability to do unthinkable evil for self preservation. Yet it is because of society and, in my opinion, religion that we have gained an understanding that we can grow as a community through positive means and collaboration. Unfortunately because this evil still remains in humans it (the evil) sometimes gets the better of our weaker citizens. And yes I do mean weaker; weaker mentally, weaker physically, weaker emotionally. And because this evil can take over they make the choice to give into this evil inside them. It is this choice that makes the shadows cover our world. It is this choice that makes horror, fear, and sadness sweep across nation. God doesn't let things happen. We are not this Sims where God starts a kitchen fire and deletes the door. God has created us with free will for the purpose of not being in control. If God was in control then our Worship would be irrelevant. It would be the dull tones of a compliant robot. We, as humans, have free will and because of that our evil hurts the world.

Yet in the same stroke when people choice evil it makes, even more so, the choice to be heroic and good shine brighter; the teachers who bravely stood between evil and the innocent, the first responders who ran towards the sound of malevolence, and the out pour of prayers and concern for those who have paid the ultimate cost.

We, as humans, have been given the ultimate weapon. Choice. People then have the challenge of seeing and making the right choices. God doesn't let bad things happen, God simply watches bad things happen with hurt on his heart, just like the rest of us. If you ever ask “why does God let bad things happen?” please take a moment and ask yourself “Why do I let bad things happen?” the answer is the same.  Because you do not control the actions of anyone but yourself.

Having said that do I believe that God tried to put people in the way of this terror? Yes. Was there an attempt to sway the heart of that young man? Yes. Did God put into place everything to change the choice this young man made? Yes. Do I believe God wants the power to change the world with his cosmic powers? NO. God doesn't want to change the world God wants Us to make the choices that change the world. He controlled everything long before we were ever here. To be honest, I think with that kind of control and understanding he could see everything that was going to happen. With humans and the insertion of free will the foresight was gone. After careful consideration I don’t think God can see past decisions not yet made. Much like in the matrix, no one can see past a decision they don’t understand.

So here I stand on the wrong side of the cross asking does God let bad things happen? Yes, because he doesn't control those who choose evil. Yet the more uplifting thought should be that when evil/darkness/gnashing of teeth comes to the world is when good/Light/comfort are reveled to not only be in greater multitude but has greater impact. Yes bad things happen, but you can’t enjoy the sunny days without the understanding of the rainy days.

May God Bless you and your family this holiday season. Hug the ones you love that much closer as winter drapes over our land. Smile a little more as darkness seams to linger a little longer this winter solstice. Love a little bit easier as there seems to be more anger in the world. Live like today is the most important day you have, because we don’t know when today will be our last.