Do All Things Happen For A Reason?

[Ms_Lilith]

Really.
Someone recently told me that the different things I've been through lately are all happening for a reason. Fine, I can accept that.

But what about catachlismic things? What about 9/11? What about Earthquakes, what about war? Is there REALLY a reason behind all of this violence, pain, hatred?

 

[Freya]

To those who believe in God, there is. And I suppose some could look at it as cleansing. However, I just don't see it.

 

[Ms_Lilith]

To those who believe in God, there is. And I suppose some could look at it as cleansing. However, I just don't see it.

I believe in God. I believe in Karma. Therefore, I should really believe that everything happened for a reason. But somehow, I still feel like all the terror and pain of last year, though it brought some good results (the coming together of various countries in support of the US, the sense of community in all of North America), it has spawned so much badness....

 

[LadyG]

I've heard it said that castrophic events such as you mentioned, happen in order to make us stronger within.

That we learn and grow from everything, bad as well as good.

Personally, I believe in karma/fate and that in some cases we learn from the bad, but then I've also heard people saying "It's God's Will" and that I can't get my head around.

 

[JazzManJim]

Simple answer?

Yes, there's always a reason (in my belief system, anyhow. It's easier to believe that an omnipotent being has some hand in events and guides them rather than to think that there's some tally board somewhere keeping track. Wonder who keeps the tally board?).

The complications are that you won't always get to know what the reason is, and the reason won't always work out to your benefit. But there is always a reason.

 

[Ms_Lilith]

Simple answer?

Yes, there's always a reason (in my belief system, anyhow. It's easier to believe that an omnipotent being has some hand in events and guides them rather than to think that there's some tally board somewhere keeping track. Wonder who keeps the tally board?).

The complications are that you won't always get to know what the reason is, and the reason won't always work out to your benefit. But there is always a reason.

I still shiver when I see that finger.


No, seriously... I generally tend to think the way that you think on this one... but I suppose today is a bit of a darker day for my psyche.

 

[brokenbrainwave]

There is always a reason for anything that happens. From human nature to mother nature, nothing happens without a cause and effect.

Now explaining and understanding the reason may be what is difficult.

 

[mischeviousmisti]

we all say and try to believe that everything happens for a reason. i for one have been lacking the serenity to really believe and accept that. furthering my fucked up little beliefs that this life is a fucked up game with us as the pieces. i'm not always so cynical and i do truly believe there are reasons for everything i'm just upset that i don't know or grasp any of them at the moment. wow that kinda turned into a rant....sowwy .

 

[JazzManJim]

it has spawned so much badness....

Has it spawned the badness, vixie, or has it made those who would spread such badness more clear to us - made them stand out very clearly? Before all this happened, how many knew who Osama bin Laden was, or al Quaeda, or Hezbollah, or Hamas, or the groups in the Philippines?

I can't say this is the reason, but it may be *a* reason - to show us who the enemies of those who love and protect freedom really are. To show them right out in the open where they can be found and removed.

 

[Ms_Lilith]

Has it spawned the badness, vixie, or has it made those who would spread such badness more clear to us - made them stand out very clearly? Before all this happened, how many knew who Osama bin Laden was, or al Quaeda, or Hezbollah, or Hamas, or the groups in the Philippines?

I can't say this is the reason, but it may be *a* reason - to show us who the enemies of those who love and protect freedom really are. To show them right out in the open where they can be found and removed.

"It has spawned so much badness"

When I wrote that particular line, I was thinking of witch hunts. Nathon_88 has a friend who is a Saudi Arabian student. Nathon wrote a post about this on this board. People are writing threatening notes on this kid's board outside his room. People had to sleep outside his room last year to make sure he would be alright. I've seen it in my own university. There's a general distrust now of people that are different from ourselves (and I mean that universally, not just from a caucasian female perspective).
I don't mean in the grand scale, I mean in the daily lives of individual people, there has been a trust that has been lost or stolen or changed... and it sucks.

 

[lisalove]

I believe in God. I don't think everything happens for a reason. Tragedies occur randomly. Sometimes, it is one's faith in God that gives them the strength to pull through devastation and loss, but other than that God has nothing to do with it. (And would we really want God to intervene in the affairs of mankind? Who would be considered deserving of a joyous and painfree life?).
What possible lesson could there be for the parents of a child who dies?

I think people have a need to understand why something tragic occurs and therefore make something meaningful out of it.

 

[JazzManJim]

"It has spawned so much badness"

When I wrote that particular line, I was thinking of witch hunts. Nathon_88 has a friend who is a Saudi Arabian student. Nathon wrote a post about this on this board. People are writing threatening notes on this kid's board outside his room. People had to sleep outside his room last year to make sure he would be alright. I've seen it in my own university. There's a general distrust now of people that are different from ourselves (and I mean that universally, not just from a caucasian female perspective).
I don't mean in the grand scale, I mean in the daily lives of individual people, there has been a trust that has been lost or stolen or changed... and it sucks.

I see different things, vixie. I see, in general, people being more pleasant and more considerate in most curcumstances.

Of course, I do see my fair share of assholes. But assholes have always been among us. In that case, the murders gave those assholes what they considered a free chance to be assholes right out in the open.

Again, it's a case of being able to see our enemies more clearly, right.

 

[Mountain Man]

There is not a reason for everything....

We as humans make reasons for why things happen...

Lady G said that things happen in order to make us stronger.

So the reason why a little child is struck with Lukima (sp) is to make those around them stronger....I highly doubt it.

We as humans need to find a reason whay something happend to try and explain it to ourselves. If we cant find a reason we try to determine what it is..

We have a very hard tme excepting that things just happen and there is no reason for it.

 

[JazzManJim]

(And would we really want God to intervene in the affairs of mankind? Who would be considered deserving of a joyous and painfree life?).
What possible lesson could there be for the parents of a child who dies?

I think people have a need to understand why something tragic occurs and therefore make something meaningful out of it.

But who says, lisa, that God intervenes to remove pain and bring joy? That's not all of God's portfolio. it's a hard thing to say, b ut God is most emphatically *not* all love and peace and happiness. Sure, he's about that as well, and in the end that what he will bring to his children, but in the intervening time, there's a lot of other things he has, too.

I wish I could understand why God does what He does. I wish I could understand why a child dies. I just know that it happens for a reason and that the reason is known to Someone I trust.

some will say that it makes me blind. But it's certainly no more blind than relying of chance and happenstance, though, right?

 

[MechaBlade]

Things just happen. On days like Sept 11th, my religion is confirmed.

 

[LadyG]

I've heard it said that castrophic events such as you mentioned, happen in order to make us stronger within.

I said I have heard the saying, if you will. I never said I believed it.

 

[lisalove]

But who says, lisa, that God intervenes to remove pain and bring joy? That's not all of God's portfolio. it's a hard thing to say, but God is most emphatically *not* all love and peace and happiness. Sure, he's about that as well, and in the end that what he will bring to his children, but in the intervening time, there's a lot of other things he has, too.
I wish I could understand why God does what He does. I wish I could understand why a child dies. I just know that it happens for a reason and that the reason is known to Someone I trust.
some will say that it makes me blind. But it's certainly no more blind than relying of chance and happenstance, though, right?

I believe God gave everyone free will. This then makes us responsible for our lives. Random tragedies do occur and I don't believe God has anything to do with it. What then is the power of God (what the heck do we need Him for)?

For strength. Courage. A change in perception. To heal. To know that something so powerful and yes I believe all-loving, will carry us when we can no longer walk.
There's a lot to be said for the power of prayer. It doesn't change the situation (unless it was going to change anyway), it merely gives us an opportunity to accept what is happening and grow from it.

* I could talk about this till I'm blue in the face, but obviously I don't know the truth anymore than anyone else.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

I don't believe things happen for a "reason" in the connotation you suggest, i.e. by "design", as opposed to natural cause and effect, which can come about by simply acting a certain way for a long period of time, showing that what goes around comes around. Some people call that Karma, but I just see that as another way to label something spiritual that is really very easily explainable.

 

[miles]

"Everything happens for a reason" suggests something good will always come from something bad.

No way.

 

[Lost Cause]

Karma, Fate, Destiny...

Whatever you call it, it's there and real. My Parents taught me that from childhood. American Indians used to teach about the lessons sent by the Great Spirit. I have so many examples where my life would have ended if not for things happening that directly turned me from danger. Whether it's just experience, divine intervention, etc.. if an act or event does not leave you with an enlightenment, you aren't paying attention. Example: WTC, what did it teach you about how fragile we are as humans? relationships? Your resolve toward the way you'll continue on despite possible danger?
I'm not saying I'm wise, but I'm sure "street smart" when it comes to life. Pay attention!