Sometimes there is no “Why”
Jesus asked God, “Why? …have you forsaken me?”
God didn’t answer him. He instead responded with resurrection, new life, a new reality (so Jurgen Moltmann).
When we ask, “why?” often it is the wrong question. Much of the time there is no “why” that would satisfy us. The question comes from a desire to be at peace with what is wrong, or unjust. It comes from a desire to be at peace with suffering, in ourselves and in the world.
Why would we want to be at peace with the suffering in the world? When I ask the big questions about suffering in the world, perhaps I long to rid myself of the bad inner feeling.
But… the reality is that God will not give us an answer that will satisfy us when it comes to this question. God does not want us to be at peace with the suffering in the world. Instead he wants us to be a part of what heals the world (so “A Community Called Atonement” by McKnight). He is not going to give me peace about the suffering that comes from starvation, slavery, or a friend’s suffering next door. God is not going to take the edge off of that which will drive us to reach out and love. He will not comfort us in such a way that we feel content to sustain that status quo.
Awesome insight
What Alex said. I’ve noticed that when referring to Jesus having compassion, the bible does not state that he experienced a feeling but that he was “moved” by compassion–compelled to act. I stuffed away and explained away the more intense conflicts and restlessness for so many years because I hate how it makes me feel. Its only been in the last several years(having been a christian for over 20) that I am letting myself feel the turmoil and (cliche warning) cry out to God for help. Love this post. My latest post much more fluffy.
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