Recently, I was talking with my best friend about what is currently happening in the world. At some point, she asked a question that troubles many people:
“How can God allow all of this?”
The longer I reflected on it, the clearer it became to me: perhaps it is not the answer that is wrong but already the question itself.
First, I want to clarify one thing. I left the church because I do not agree with its worldly interpretations and translations. Nevertheless, I still regard the Bible as a valuable source of inspiration, wisdom, and self-reflection.
The Bible says that God created human beings in His own image. To me, this means above all that we are equipped with a conscience and a moral compass.
Precisely for this reason, God does not constantly intervene in human affairs, unless we consciously ask Him to do so. Responsibility has been entrusted to us.
During our conversation, another question arose: What is “good faith,” actually?
For me, the answer is clear. If I do something “in good faith” that proves unreasonable or contradictory upon honest reflection, then it is not good faith. Faith does not exempt us from thinking.
Human beings can and must take responsibility independently. We have been given a moral compass: our conscience. Often, we already sense whether something is right or wrong before we analyze it rationally.
If we use neither our rational mind nor our conscience, things inevitably go wrong. But that is not God’s fault.
A look at the Bible illustrates this very clearly.
In the Book of Genesis, chapter 2, verse 16 ff., the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is told. Eve is tempted by the serpent (Nachash) to eat from the forbidden tree. The serpent says:
“You will not die. On the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Wait a moment.
Here, Eve should have asked questions:
Is that really true? Why should I become like God if I have already been created in God’s image? Why should I eat from a tree that brings death?
Eve does not question it. She does not pay attention. And Adam does not either he too could have questioned it. This is where human suffering begins: illness, death, war, and destruction.
Is God responsible for this?
No.
God warned them. Adam and Eve could have asked questions. God said:
“Do not eat from the tree, or you will die.”
The serpent said:
“You will certainly not die; you will be like God.”
That should have been questioned and the deception would have failed.
Acting rashly and unreasonably is not good faith.
So does God bear the blame for what followed? No. The responsibility lay with humankind.
I understand very well why people ask “Why?” when faced with serious diagnoses or tragic events. I know these moments myself. I could have died as well. Once, guided by intuition, I did not board a train that later crashed.
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My colleagues found me unusual at the time because I questioned everything down to the smallest detail. I chose my therapy myself and took full responsibility.
A close friend and colleague of mine, a gynecologist, still says:
“You are done with that topic, there is nothing left to be found.”
And yes, that is exactly how it is.
This is just one personal example among many. But it shows what I am trying to say: responsibility is a central key to inner growth and real strength.
And I am deeply grateful that I have recognized this and that I live by it.
