For a reason, part 2

If you want to believe in a God of love, then you cannot believe that everything happens for a reason.  If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then we have no real free will.

If everything happens for a reason, then we are marionettes on the stage of life.

If everything happens for a reason, then God is cruel.  The next time you are around someone whose child was just diagnosed with cancer, tell them that everything happens for a reason.  They will punch you in the face as hard as they can.  It is one of the most cruel and hurtful things that we can say.

I believe that God loves us, and that he gives us free will.  I believe that our choices matter.  So, some things in life are random.  They are the results of the choices that we make.  Things happen because we make choices.  Things happen for reasons beyond our control.  

Since God is not out there causing bad things, then I can still believe that he is a God of love.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.