"The cleverest character in a comedy is the clown, since he who would make himself out to be a simpleton cannot be one."
Part of the series: Servetus
[ commentary :: reason ]
Last updated January 18, 2011
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“Chartrand took a deep breath. "I don't understand this omnipotent-benevolent thing."
The camerlengo smiled. "You've been reading scripture."
"I try."
"You are confused because the Bible describes God as an omnipotent and benevolent deity."
"Exactly"
"Omnipotent-benevolent simply means that God is all-powerful and well-meaning."
"I understand the concept. It's just ... there seems to be a contradiction."
"Yes. The contradiction is pain. Man's starvation, war, sickness..."
"Exactly!" Chartrand knew the camerlengo would understand. "Terrible things happen in this world. Human tragedy seems like proof that God could not possibly be both all-powerful and well-meaning. If He loves us and has the power to change our situation, He would prevent our pain, wouldn't He?"
The camerlengo frowned. "Would He?"
Chartrand felt uneasy. Had he overstepped his bounds? Was this one of those religious questions you just dont ask? "Well ... if God loves us, and He can protect us, He would have to. It seems He either is omnipotent and uncaring, or benevolent and powerless to help."
"Do you have children, Lieutenant?"
Chartrand flushed "No, signore."
"Imagine you had an eight-year-old son ... would you love him?"
"Of course."
"Would you do everthing in your power to prevent pain in his life?"
"Of course."
"Would you let him skateboard?"
Chartrand did a double take. The camerlengo always seemed oddly 'in touch' for a clergyman. "Yeah, I guess," Chartrand said. "Sure, I'd let him skateboard, but I'd tell him to be careful."
"So as this child's father, you would give him some basic, good advice and then let him go off and make his own mistakes?"
"I wouldn't run behind him and mollycoddle him if thats what you mean."
"But what if he feel and skinned his knee?"
"He would learn to be more careful."
The camerlengo smiled. "So although you have the power to interfere and prevent your child's pain, you would choose to show your love by letting him learn his own way?"
"Of course. Pain is part of growing up. It's how we learn."
The camerlengo nodded. "Exactly."”
-- Carlo Ventresca;Lieutenant Chartrand
