I enjoyed the readings this week. Whereas Voltaire mocks everyone else’s views on suffering, Wesley actually provides answers; he provides resolution!
According to Wesley “vice is the parent of misery.” Our sins, our OWN sins against God are the cause of the world’s suffering, and if we were to turn our hearts again to the Lord, then the problem of suffering would be resolved. “Then brother shall not lift up sword against brother, neither shall they know war anymore. Then shall plenty and peace flourish in our land, and all of the inhabitants of it be thankful for the innumerable blessings which they enjoy and, and shall fear God, and honour the king.”
A resolution indeed! But the true nature of suffering, I wonder? I am sure Voltaire could mockingly present Wesley as he did Pangloss and Martin. But does a good satire take the power out of a worldview or theory? Where does a worldview gain authority from? For Wesley this seemed to be the scriptures - the foundation upon which he built his whole theory. For Martin it was the reality of the world around him. Is there one foundation which cannot be questioned, and to which everyone would agree? It seems not.
I guess we just have to decide the most valid foundation and hold to it. We can throw down every theory for its inability to provide answers, but then where are we left? Right back where we started… tending our gardens.
“Mock on, mock on, Voltaire…” but to what end?
I could not agree more with what you are saying here with our OWN sins are the cause of the WORLD'S sufferings. Instead of looking at Japan, Haiti, and various other catastrophes and thinking, "Oh, those poor things. Why does this happen?" or casting judgement over the sins of that particular nation. To me, it is not so much a question of WHY it happens but coming to the resolve that it does happen and all men are responsible. What happens in Japan, Haiti, and the rest of the world affects us just as much as it affects the people impacted by it. Now, I cannot feasibly move myself to Japan or Haiti and forcibly change their situations. The question is no longer WHY is this, but HOW do I deal with this and WHAT can I do to cultivate a garden miles and miles away?
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