God In The Dock, Show # 428 (1980) | Insight powered by Paulist Productions

Summary

The script presents a fictional courtroom drama where God is put on trial for humanity's suffering. Plaintiffs, including victims of war and injustice, argue that God is responsible for allowing pain and cruelty in the world. The defense claims that human free will is the cause, not divine intervention. Witnesses share personal stories of loss, highlighting the struggle between faith and disillusionment. The jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, leaving the case unresolved, emphasizing the complexity of reconciling suffering with the concept of a loving deity.

Takeaways

• ⚖️ The case involves a class-action lawsuit against God, accusing him of causing pain and suffering through his inaction.
• 🙏 The defendant, identified by many names such as Allah, Yahweh, and Lord, pleads not guilty to the charges of neglect and hypocrisy.
• 😢 Gary Schneider, a plaintiff, shares the story of his wife's death due to cancer, emphasizing his disappointment in God for not preventing her suffering.
• 🌍 Dr. Sally Carlin, a physician, highlights the preventable malnutrition and deaths in the third world, attributing the problems to corruption and the actions of richer nations.
• 💔 Donald Quinlan, another plaintiff, tells of his daughter running away and becoming a prostitute, blaming God for allowing this misfortune.
• 🗣️ The defense argues that suffering is a result of human freedom and the choices made by people, not directly caused by God.
• 💬 The prosecutor claims that the existence of suffering proves that God is not loving or just, emphasizing that innocent people are being hurt.
• 🛑 The defense counters by explaining that eliminating suffering would require taking away human freedom, which would also eliminate love and joy.
• 👥 The jury is divided and unable to reach a unanimous verdict, reflecting the complexity of the issue and differing perspectives on the nature of suffering and God's role.
• 🤷 The ending implies that there is no simple answer to the question of suffering, and that humanity must grapple with the responsibilities of freedom and the consequences of their actions.

Q & A

What is the setting of the script?

The setting is a courtroom in the First Circuit Court of Appeals, co-anchored county, state of Iowa, where a class-action lawsuit is being heard.

Who is the defendant in the case?

The defendant is God, referred to by various names such as Allah, Brahman, Yahweh, Elohim, and the Great Spirit.

What are the charges brought against the defendant?

The defendant is charged with cruel and inhuman behavior, hypocrisy, deceit, preaching love while practicing hate, and violating justice.

Who are the plaintiffs in the case?

The plaintiffs are Mr. Gary Schneider, Dr. Sally Carlin, and Mr. Donald Quinlan.

What was the nature of Gary Schneider's testimony?

Gary Schneider testifies about the suffering his wife endured due to cancer, their prayers for mercy that were unanswered, and his anger towards those responsible for contaminating their water supply, which he believes caused his wife's death.

How does Dr. Sally Carlin view the world’s suffering, particularly in the Third World?

Dr. Sally Carlin views the suffering in the Third World as largely unnecessary and a result of unequal resource distribution, corrupt governments, and a world economic system that exploits poor nations. She expresses frustration with religious people who ignore real-world problems.

What does Donald Quinlan's testimony reveal about his relationship with religion?

Donald Quinlan reveals that he was once religious, but after his daughter Karen became a prostitute and his wife had a nervous breakdown, he lost his faith and holds God responsible for their suffering.

What is the defendant’s explanation for human suffering?

The defendant explains that human suffering arises from the misuse of human freedom. He created humans with free will, and while he helps people to love, he does not take away their freedom to choose, even if they choose to do harm.

How does the prosecution argue against the defendant’s explanation?

The prosecution argues that the world is filled with cruelty and suffering, which reflects the nature of the defendant. They claim that a loving, just God would not allow such pain and that the defendant's justification of free will is an evasion of responsibility.

What is the final outcome of the trial as presented in the script?

The jury is hopelessly split and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The case ends without a resolution.