Homework for Oct 30

Sorry that this is late. I totally forgot to post this.

Class on Oct 30 is going to be about how a good God can allow evil and suffering in the world. It's a big worldview question that you need to think through. Here are the assignments:

1A: Listen to the Tim Keller sermon on suffering. It's free. And even better, it's really good. Listen to it and write on a sheet of paper that you did. Also, take some notes (you don't need to turn them in). It's an important skill to develop to be able to take notes on a sermon so you can remember what you learned (because what's the point in listening to a sermon and totally forgetting it in an hour?)
1B: Answer these questions about the sermon:

• What passage is Keller teaching from? 
• What analogy (word picture) does the biblical author compare trials to? Explain how trials are like that. 
• Some people solve the problem of evil by abandoning their belief in God. Why does Keller say that abandoning your belief in God creates more problems? 
• Can you think of other problems abandoning your belief in God during a trial could cause? 
• What three things do we need to look back to, ahead to, and in to? 

2: Write a Dear Doug letter. There's not one in the book for this topic, so reply to this letter. Remember, don't be cold and factual. When someone talks about suffering, be careful, kind and encouraging. You don't beat people up for doubting in God when they are suffering. So reply to this letter in a careful, personal way:

Hey! Things have been busy at school. Western Civ is killing me. It's a lot of work. Also I started working a little on campus at the aquatic center. I am busier than I've ever been, but at least I have some money! 

I’ve been hanging out some with a girl named Amy. While we were talking at the library, she told me that she used to be a Christian but isn’t any more. I asked why, and she said that she stopped being a Christian when her brother died. They were best friends, but 5 years ago they were both in a car wreck. She spent one night in the hospital and was totally fine. He died instantly. She said that now she isn’t sure God even exists, but if he does she refuses to worship a God that was so cruel to kill her brother.  I had no idea what to say. What should I say to Amy?

I was thinking that maybe God isn't able to stop all the bad things in the world. I mean, how can one God keep a million things from going wrong? I think he does the best he can, but God can't answer every prayer and stop everything that is evil from happening. I think he wants to and loves us all, but accidents happen. Right? 

Honestly, I've never suffered much. My life has been pretty boring. Have you ever gone through a hard trial? What did you learn from it? Are there any Bible verses that help you when you go through a hard time? 

Sorry this letter is so heavy, but this is what's on my mind. Hope to hear from you soon. I've got a project I need to work on for psychology. Thanks!