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What are your thoughts on the three great dilemma's of life, Human Evil, Suffering and Death, that Billy Graham spoke about?
I recently watched Billy Graham's TED talk and he spoke about three problems that everyone must face: human evil, human suffering, and death. As much we'd like to, these are 3 things we can't avoid.
Mr. Graham noted that no amount of technology and achievement has ever been able to address these three problems. If we honestly reflect on them, what are we to do? Should we look up for help, or should we continue on our present course? Lets not dismiss this with trite answers, but really think about it.
Warmly,
Devin
Roy Bourque 20+
Death is the result of evolution. If life didn't die, we wouldn't be here. We are the product of life and death cycles, so live your life the best you can, and look forward to what we shall become.
Human evil is the product of survival in a competitive world. As a social animal, we strive for the position of "top male" often at the expense of our competitors. That was the role of Eastern philosophy, to address the animal within and rise to higher levels of consciousness. Many choose to rise to higher levels of consciousness without addressing the animal within. That is why we have drug cartels, human traffickers, organized crime, political corruption, etc. They are using creative ability to further survival of the fittest and satisfy sensual pleasures instead of seeking ways to build a paradise.
As for human suffering, every day countless accidents occur that could have been prevented. All the rules in the industrial age were written in blood and tears. It's what happens when we get ahead of ourselves. Learn to follow the rules, and tragedies can be avoided. That was the lessen in the Garden of Eden. Don't go against the rules of nature and all will be well. But we like to break the rules. So nature breaks bones to enforce the rules.
I believe in pantheism. Everything is a part of God, and the rules (of nature) are what they are. That is what God told Moses at Mount Horeb; I am what I am. Religion took God out of reality and put "him" on a pedestal. Now we only see God in what can't be explained. The ancient ones saw God in everything, including us. That is why Jesus said that the kingdom of God is within you. Find it and do your best to make a better world with it.
lynn eschbach 30+
Of the three great dilemmas, death is the only one that has the potiential to be beautiful, i.e., when it comes with sleep to an aged person who has lived a good life.
Obey No1kinobe 50+
Not sure our minds are ready for eternity.
Zack K
However the one dilemma that I believe can be solved is suffering, at least to the point were the world has as little suffering as possible (as a result of evil), but to me, that is what will come with time. We as a people have a long way to go to become united.
ronald emmanuel
As for evil, it's like darkness and light. There really isn't a thing such as darkness, it's really an absence of light. An absence of good is perceived as evil. Just as there are degrees of light, likewise there are levels to which humans will distance themselves from what is natural and good. If you were in opposition to God, what would your works be?
Human suffering is another Social Disease. We go to great lengths in our quest for progress. So much so that in our insatiable desire to fit into this fake world that we have created, loads of people get brushed aside. Our policies domestic and exported affect people unknown to us, our demand for things 'new' create deserts and lay waste forests, our current lifestyle trends are anti-existence, even ours. We are all suffering.
Mary M. 100+
Sadly there is nothing we can do about other's actions. Death is inevitable. Suffering, well, there is a quote that says "Life is hard, suffering is optional".
I think that individuals who have some sort of spirituality are able to endure life's great dilemma's because they have their eyes fixed on something greater.....a prize.
There is a scriptural text that says: Count it all joy my brothers when you meet with various trials, knowing that this tested quality of your faith builds endurance.
Still, I can't help but admire the sheer will some have to survive life's most challenging trials. We humans are resilient.
I will share something a TED speaker (Clifford Stoll) once wrote:
Information is not knowledge
Knowledge is not understanding
Understanding is not wisdom.
In this day and age of an abundance of knowledge, it is important that we realize the difference between knowledge of suffering and dilemmas and understanding it. Everyone is aware of suffering. Understanding the why we suffer, takes time. Once we ourselves come to understand the why, then, using words we have chosen wisely, we can help others reach this level of understanding, and perhaps improve their life if possible.
Wonderful question.
Rhona Pavis 50+
I think we have been brainwashed to have too much respect for authority figures......especially those connected to religion.
Think for yourself. Believe what YOU believe. You do not need people external to yourself to manipulate and control your behavior. Live according to your own highest awareness of what is right. Stick with truth as you know it. Express your own true thoughts and feelings. People can tell you what they believe, but they cannot tell you what you believe. You tell people what YOU believe. Respect yourself. Trust yourself. Best wishes for living in truth, love, joy and all other positive ways. Don't accept traditional brainwashing. This is YOUR LIFE! Live it according to your values and beliefs which I am confident are positive.
Mary M. 100+
The scope of the article dealt with identifying the marks of true christianity......one such mark is remaining in God's word........in other words, making a concerted effort to use it's principles.
Today, many have their own private ideas about God....few turn to scripture for help.
Rhona Pavis 50+
Ken brown 30+
Devin Tarr