Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Summary

In this video, Father Mike Schmitz discusses the idea of God's will in the face of tragedy, challenging the common belief that everything, including suffering, is part of God's plan. He explains the difference between God's perfect will and permissive will, emphasizing that while God allows certain things to happen, He does not directly will evil or suffering. Father Mike encourages viewers to find hope in God's ability to bring good from even the worst situations, and to trust that God can restore what is broken, even in the midst of pain and loss.

Takeaways

• 🙏 God's plan does not include every tragedy or death that happens; such events are not part of His 'perfect will.'
• 📜 There is a distinction between God's 'perfect will' and His 'permissive will.' Tragedies occur under God's permissive will, not because He wants them to happen, but because He allows them.
• 💡 God is all-powerful and omnipotent, but He voluntarily gave up control over certain aspects of creation, such as the laws of physics and human freedom.
• 😔 The suffering and evil in the world are not part of God's plan, but He remains intimately involved and can bring about greater good from these situations.
• 🕊️ God created human beings and angels with free will, meaning He does not control our actions unless we choose to submit our will to His.
• 💬 It is incorrect to comfort people in times of tragedy by saying, 'This is part of God's plan.'
• 🛠️ God's involvement in creation means that while He permits evil, it does not thwart His overall plan, and He can still bring good out of bad situations.
• 💪 God values human freedom so highly that He does not violate it, even when that freedom leads to suffering and tragedy.
• ⚖️ God's allowance of evil and suffering serves a greater purpose: the potential for redemption and transformation, as seen in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• 🌱 In the worst moments of life, such as death and suffering, God can still bring healing, redemption, and a greater good from the pain.

Q & A

What is the central message Father Mike Schmitz conveys in the video?

The central message is that not everything, especially tragedies and evil, is part of God's perfect will or plan. While God is intimately involved in our lives, He has given the world free will and laws, allowing certain events to happen that are not directly His will but part of His permissive will.

How does Father Mike distinguish between God's 'perfect will' and 'permissive will'?

God's perfect will refers to what He directly wills, such as goodness, love, and beauty. In contrast, God's permissive will refers to what He allows to happen, like suffering or evil, even though it is not part of His original plan. He permits it for the sake of human freedom and the potential for greater good.

Why does Father Mike say that certain tragedies, like the death of a child, are not part of God's plan?

Father Mike explains that such tragedies are not part of God's perfect will. While God allows them under His permissive will, He does not actively desire them. They result from the laws of nature and human freedom, which God respects.

What is the significance of free will in Father Mike’s explanation of why suffering and evil occur?

Free will is essential in Father Mike’s explanation because God has given human beings and creation freedom. He values this freedom so highly that He permits suffering and evil rather than overriding human choices or the laws of the natural world.

How does Father Mike suggest we should respond to the idea that 'everything is part of God's plan'?

He urges people to stop saying that everything, especially tragedies, is part of God's plan. Instead, he clarifies that while God allows certain things to happen, they are not necessarily part of His perfect will or something He desires.

Why does Father Mike say that God does not take away human freedom, even in the face of tragedy?

Father Mike explains that God values human freedom as a greater good, even more than the temporary safety and security that would come from removing it. He believes God respects the freedom He has given us, even when it leads to tragic outcomes.

Does Father Mike believe that God is disengaged when evil or suffering occurs?

No, Father Mike emphasizes that God is deeply and intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. Even though He allows suffering to occur, God cares about every moment and every individual affected by it.

How does Father Mike address the question of why God allows suffering if He could prevent it?

Father Mike offers two reasons: first, because God values human freedom, and second, because God can bring about a greater good even from the worst evils. He uses the example of Jesus’ death, which, though tragic, led to the greatest act of salvation.

What biblical reference does Father Mike use to support his claim that God did not create death?

Father Mike references the Book of Wisdom, which states, 'God did not make death nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living.' This supports his claim that death and suffering are not part of God's perfect will.

What hope does Father Mike offer for those suffering from loss or tragedy?

Father Mike offers the hope that God can bring about a greater good from any situation, no matter how painful or tragic. He reassures viewers that God can take what is broken or destroyed and bring it back to life, offering redemption and healing.