Category Archives: problem of evil

April 18, 2012 · 3:57 pm

looking evil in the face

Last night I had a horrible nightmare – the kind where your cries for help have no voice, and you finally wake with your heart racing. I dreamed that I was walking down an empty alley and heard foot-steps behind me. I turned around, and the face of Anders Behring Breivik was on my shoulder, staring me square in the eye.

The face of the Norwegian killer, responsible for the deaths of 77 souls last July, haunts me. Online photos and videos show an almost meticulously clean-cut young man. But his expression is one of slimy smugness, a leering evilness in his eyes. Would I think this if I hadn’t read the details of his horrific killings? Do I judge his looks because of his admission of guilt, while arrogantly professing that it was a righteous act?

It’s hard to look deep into the face of evil. Our history, past and present, has too many faces of tyrants, dictators and mass-murderers. We wish we could erase their images from our mind. We wish we could somehow erase the evil that was done. That continues to be done.

These lines are from today’s gospel reading,

For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. John 3: 20-21.

Breivik seems to be relishing the light of notoriety, greeting the court daily with a right-wing clenched-fist salute. The court and media are aware that the due process of the law will give him a world-wide platform from which to spew his venomous philosophy. Yet, the law must be respected. Every defendant must be given the freedom to speak. Hopefully, the media will rein in the publicity he seeks. This isn’t likely in our day of 24 hour news coverage and tabloid sensationalism.

Breivik has said he carried out the attacks to defend “ethnic Norwegians” from rising multiculturalism. When asked about his religious beliefs, he replied, “Well, I am a militant Christian; to prevent the de-Christianisation of Europe is very important”.

This is disturbing. Today, too many zealous Christians are throwing around military language, railing about a war against Christianity. They believe this is a time to call all Christians to spiritual arms, to ensure that our western society remains faithful to its Christian foundation. Perhaps they need to stop and look carefully at the language they are using. Breivik is but one example of what can happen when zealousness is allowed to go unchecked. Pride in one’s own nation or religion must never lead to racism, intolerance or hatred.

As this sad story unfolds in the courts of Norway, I can only think of the nightmares experienced by the family and friends of the 77 who lost their lives at the hands of this mad man. It is for their peace, and for eternal rest of their loved ones that I pray.

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February 8, 2012 · 3:00 pm

reality and a 5 minute retreat

The international clerical sexual abuse and cover-up scandals are again making Catholic news head-lines this week. Signs of progress are coming from an Abuse Summit taking place at the Vatican. From heart-wrenching personal witnesses by victims, to public penitential prayers, to acknowledgement of the accountability of both bishops and priests; there is hope that eyes are being opened and denials will no longer be accepted. John Allen’s daily reports over at the National Catholic Reporter give an insightful commentary on the summit proceedings.

Another NCR article chronicles a well-known story of massive cover-up and re-victimization of the abused not just by the offending clergy, but by their own families and parishes. Clerical power thwarts victims in Poland is a difficult article to read. I found my heart racing, and my body filling with angry tension. This is the country of my heritage with a culture of devoted Catholics, colorful pilgrimages, and love for the Blessed Mother. Yet, it is also the Church that angered my grand-father decades ago for its clericalism and greed.

By now, we know that our Church consists of sinners and saints. We cannot run from the reality of evil, for it must be faced and eradicated. But we also need to be nurtured and reminded of the existence of a loving God. We need to be reminded that we are beloved by God. And, we need to be reminded that we are loved by others. This is especially true for those who have been so deeply hurt and wounded.

I began my daily online reading with an uplifting piece from Sandy Prather’s column, Breaking Open the Ordinary in the Prairie Messenger. It raised my spirits, and I returned to it again after the depressing reading later in the day. If you can, take some time to read the entire reflection. It makes for a wonderful 5 minute retreat…

We likely will never have the actual experience of clouds parting and seeing the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon us, but each of us needs to hear at least once in our life the spoken words: “You are the beloved; in you I am well pleased.” As disciples of Jesus, we carry the message to each other: God delights in you. It is to be affirmed into life.

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August 12, 2011 · 11:16 am

pondering the UK riots

This post begins, yet again, with an apology for the silence in the past days. But, I have a good excuse. This week, we welcomed the first grand-child into our clan. She is healthy, beautiful, and blessed with loving and caring parents. Our son`s face absolutely bursts with joy and pride every time he says her name! We know that she will not only be loved and cared for – she will be raised to love and care for others. We know this, because we know her Mommy and Daddy!

Meanwhile, we`ve been following the riots in the U.K. with horror and sadness. Prime Minister David Cameron has not minced his words in response to the escalating criminal activity. He has vowed to prosecute all who are guilty of the violence, destruction and theft. He told the nation that if you are old enough to commit these crimes, you are old enough to be prosecuted. There are “pockets of our society that are not just broken, but frankly sick.” When you see 12 and 13 year olds looting and laughing, you know that there is something “badly wrong with our society.” There is ”a complete lack of responsibility, a lack of proper parenting, a lack of proper upbringing, a lack of proper ethics, a lack of proper morals.”

Who is to blame…parents, society, politicians? There is no denying that the growing gap between rich and poor has left a large, disenfranchised underclass. Poor, uneducated and unemployed, they have lost all hope of reaping the benefits of our consumer society.  Mark Easton, BBC Home Editor wrote a thought-provoking editorial that describes the fine line between recognizing societal issues and using them to excuse criminal behavior.

Can the root causes of the violence be pinned on bad politics as opposed to simply bad kids, bad parents and bad morals – “criminality – pure and simple”? 

When the Home Affairs Select Committee completes its inquiry it will find itself treading that narrow line between condemning and contextualizing the unrest, but it would be hard to imagine any such investigation not wanting to consider what policies will be most effective in ensuring England’s social landscape does not have parts left tinder-dry and combustible. 

The bewildering events of the past few days are a reminder of why, however difficult, no country can afford to ignore any strata of its society. 

These are hard questions, and there are no easy answers. Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, stated that all of us have a responsibility. This I believe.  What we do, for good or ill, affects those around us and affects society. The UK riots show how strong the ripple effect can be when bad choices are made. One manic moment of torching and looting can ruin lives and livelihoods. But, I have to also believe that the good we do has an equally strong effect. I have to believe that ordinary goodness can balance out extraordinary evil.

As we continue to bask in the glow of our new grand-daughter, I’m filled with gratitude for the love that surrounds her. She won the baby lottery, but so many don’t. When I was in the midst of parenting wee ones, I often complained that I was “only a Mother.” As I watch our son and daughter-in-law embrace their little girl, I now know that being a loving parent and raising compassionate, caring children can be one of the greatest gifts you can give to the world.

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June 24, 2011 · 10:42 am

sick of the sexual abuse

It seems that not a day goes by without updates and new reports on the sexual abuse scandal and subsequent cover-ups in our church. In the USA, new allegations keep appearing from yet another diocese. The sexual abuse of children by clergy and religious became national news in Canada with the 1988 reports from the Mount Cashel Orphanage in Newfoundland. Reports of other abuses spread like wild-fire. Our government and churches have been dealing for decades with the aftermath of the Residential School abuses.  In 2009, Antigonish Bishop Raymond Lahey made head-lines when his lap-top was seized at the Ottawa airport and found to be filled with child pornography. Ireland, Belgium and Germany have joined the countries reeling from allegations.

The heart says, “enough…I don’t want to hear anymore!” But the mind knows that we need to keep our eyes and ears open to this gruesome and unthinkable reality. Rape of any kind belongs in the category of the gravest and most disgusting of sins. It is a violent act of power and control. When children are raped or molested, then I hope there is a special seat in a very hot place for the perpetrators. (I am sure that God is more forgiving and compassionate than I am.) And, when the violence is committed by those who claim spiritual authority over us, then it is all the more inexcusable and disgusting.

We must keep airing this dirty laundry for all to see. We must ensure that the perpetrators and those who knowingly protected them be brought to justice. And we must ensure that necessary support and compassion is given to all victims.

As a lay woman in the Church, this is what I refuse to do…

  • I refuse to defend my Church in light of this scandal.
  • I refuse to defend or stand by guilty priests and bishops.
  • I refuse to give my money to support the legal costs incurred by this criminal and immoral behaviour.

The fall-out of this evil is that all Catholics are tarnished and affected. If we are all, together, the Body of Christ…then our rotting limbs are making us all sick. Mistrust of the clergy and religious hurts priests, bishops, sisters and brothers of integrity. The legal consequences are bankrupting dioceses and religious orders, draining money from good works done by faithful women and men. Clouds of suspicion hang over any adult who works closely with children and young people, making it difficult to form healthy relationships.

And the good news of our faith has been buried under the corruption and sin.

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June 10, 2011 · 6:15 am

wanted – leaders of integrity…weiners need not apply

Check out this little snippet about Congressman Anthony Weiner at Lorette Lavine`s blog. She posted an excerpt from Weiner`s own web-site promoting his participation in passing the “KIDS (Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators) Act of 2007, a bill to require sex offenders to register their e-mail and instant message addresses with the National Sex Offender Registry.” It’s a laudable act. It also shows the glaring disconnect between his public work and his private life. Lavine challenges Weiner to explain his recent actions to those closest to him.

The indiscretions of yet another politician are reason enough to be disgusted. But the ongoing debate over whether the indiscretions are sufficient reason to suggest his resignation shows the continued lowering of moral standards for our leaders. Do we have the right to judge the behaviour between two consenting adults? In an age of chat-rooms and twitter accounts Clinton’s famous line, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman” takes on a life of its own. This line of defense is now used in evermore creative situations. And there is the argument that our society has changed and our leaders are only human. We should not expect them to live up to some ideal, unattainable standards.

It is imperative that we do not continue lowering our moral standards. To do so is to take away from the dignity of each human being. We can either believe that we are inherently good, yet struggle with evil. Or we can believe that we are inherently evil, struggling to be good. The former acknowledges that we are capable of living a life of integrity, despite our human weakness and failures. The latter believes that human weakness is the norm, therefore we shouldn’t expect too much from ourselves or others. This will result in the bar getting lower and lower. Eventually it will be poetically sitting in the dirt.

Is it too much to expect our leaders to live an honest and good life? Is it too much to expect from anyone?

I married a good man. He is obsessively honest in both his personal and professional life. The dental world is bombarded with marketing experts promoting strategies to convince patients that they need high-end treatments. He refuses to use his profession as a money making machine. He believes the only marketing needed in healthcare is prevention focused. He has never tried to defraud patients, insurance companies, or the government. (He will not even bring home a roll of paper towels from the office unless he replaces it.) He is a faithful and loving father and husband.

Why is he like this? His answer…at the end of the day, I have to be able to sleep at night.

Credibility must be earned. Our morals and ethics must form a seamless garment in all that we do – both publically and privately. There are many good and honest women and men in this world. Our leaders should be looking up to them for an example of how to live a life of integrity.

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March 4, 2011 · 6:00 am

redemptive suffering

Catholics have a realistic view of suffering as part of our human existence. While we do our best to alleviate our pain and that of others, sometimes we are forced to face our own powerless. There is nothing to do but accept it. Our acceptance is not a fatalistic surrender. It is given a deeper meaning and purpose through our belief in the redemptive power of suffering.

We believe that the ultimate act of redemption was the passion and death of Jesus. We display and wear crosses, a hated symbol of execution in Roman times, as a sign of our belief. We speak of Good Friday, not Dark Friday. It was through suffering and death that we are freed from sin and given a promise of eternal life. It’s the ultimate paradox.

We are taught that we, too, can unite our own suffering with that of Jesus. By doing so, our suffering becomes a prayer and a sacrifice – for ourselves and for others. Suffering is no longer meaningless, but is offered up in faith and hope. We are able to tap into the potentiality for good in the midst of evil.

Some persons of faith believe so strongly in the redemptive power of suffering that they impose it upon themselves. I cringed at the penitential excesses portrayed so graphically in The Da Vinci Code. Yes these excesses exist, but please don’t associate all Catholics with a disturbed, fictional albino monk!

Penitential acts, done within reason, are part of our Catholic faith. But I don’t believe we need to seek out suffering or intentionally impose it upon ourselves. Our human condition guarantees that suffering will be a part of our lives, in one degree or another. Freedom from suffering is called heaven. Until we get there, may we all have the spiritual courage and strength we need on the journey.

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March 3, 2011 · 6:00 am

gospel of retribution

In the face of inexplicable tragedy, some zealous religious folk readily preach a message of divine retribution.  The burden of blame is placed on the sinfulness of society as a whole, or on a specific group within society. This does nothing but promote an unearned self-righteousness for the finger-pointers, and undeserved hatred for those singled out.

Much of what is evil in the world can be explained by cause and effect. If we abuse our bodies or partake in dangerous behaviour, we increase the odds of suffering physical consequences. If we take up arms against a neighbour, chances are that we will start a war. If we hoard the bounty of the earth, then others will suffer from deprivation. Many causes of evil are due to the misuse of that awful gift of free will.

But who or what can be blamed for horrific natural disasters or widespread epidemics? Is God to be blamed? Is God a vengeful deity with a limited amount of patience, ready to teach us a lesson at any time? If so, whose side is God on when so many of us claim to be the favoured ones?

It is theological presumption to cling to a God of one’s own liking. But I have to believe in a loving God, not a God of retribution. I cannot believe that God would bring suffering merely to get even with a specific population group. The core of the Christian message is that God became one of us in order to save us. Jesus preached a gospel of love not of anger and destruction.

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March 2, 2011 · 6:00 am

the awful gift of free will

The short answer to the question of why evil exists in the world is – humans are created with free will. Created in the image and likeness of God we have minds to reason with, hearts to love with, and the freedom to choose how we act.

Respecting the free will of each person is to respect their inherent dignity as humans. We are rightly horrified at any form of coercion or force imposed by governments on their people. We do not believe that society or religion has the right to dictate how many children we may have, what faith or beliefs we adhere to, what clothes we can wear, or what we can think or say. We uphold the right to freedom with a passion.

But we also know the gift of free will can be twisted and perverted to serve ourselves with no regard for the good of others. We have the freedom to amass wealth, with no regard to the massive poverty around us. We have the freedom to gain and hoard power, while denying the rights of others. We have the freedom to abuse our bodies, believing it is no business but our own. We have the freedom to inflict pain, suffering, and even death on our sisters and brothers.

We can also deny our own free will by refusing to take responsibility for our own lives. Yes, evil happens to us that we have no control over. But there comes a time when we need to stand up and do something about it. We need to reject the victim mentality of wallowing in self-pity and pointing the finger of blame. We need to reclaim the dignity that was taken away from us, by replacing powerlessness with empowerment. We have to embrace our free will and stand up and fight against the evil and injustice that hurt us and continues to hurt others.

The gift of free will should fill us with awe, for its power can be both awesome, and awful.

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March 1, 2011 · 6:00 am

when bad things happen

Wretched, rotten things happen to all of us. And they happen to those we love. “Why did this happen to me? I don`t deserve this” is a tough question for anyone to answer.

Evil in our lives is always difficult to accept, but even harder when it is out of our control. We read about a tragic car accident and quickly search for the words “alcohol or speed was probably a factor.”  Aha! There was a reason. The accident could have been avoided. Someone our age dies suddenly of heart failure. Well, he or she drank too much, smoked and/or was overweight. A couple is divorcing after a twenty year marriage. The entire town knows one of the spouses was having a fling. No surprise.

But how are we to make sense of the inexplicable accident or death? How do we make sense of the person who lives an immaculately healthy life-style and gets cancer or has a massive coronary at a young age? How do we make sense of the relationship that falls apart for no apparent reason?

Many theologians have tried to explain the problem of evil in the world. If God is good, and all that God created is good, why does evil exist?

Catholics have a great answer for unanswerable questions. It’s a mystery! The next few blogs will be a humble attempt to ponder this mystery.

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