Is there any more ridiculous quasi-religious....

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by CardiacCoug

statement than "Everything happens for a reason"?

That statement has recently become one of my all-time biggest pet peeves. I have a hard time giving even the slightest amount of respect to anybody who says it.

People in my ward say it all the time as if it is a primary tenet of LDS doctrine, but it's very common in general (non-LDS) usage as well. I guess people use it to falsely reassure themselves that every bad thing that happens to them is just God teaching them a lesson.

Anybody want to defend the use of the statement?

My father passed away when I was seventeen and people would come up to me and say that God must have needed him in heaven and that is the reason God took him. I just blew it off at the time but as I think back on it I think what a stupid thing to say and even believe, that God would need this bishop, father and husband more then those left behind.

I'm of the belief that God got this whole thing going and for the most part has a hands off approach. It what works for me and keeps me from being a little bitter.

[CardiacCoug]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Yeah, it was a ridiculous example. I'm just glad you possess such a well-honed eternal perspective. It's amazing that a divine plan for each individual and for all of mankind can arise out of the random chaos of mortality.

If we all had such an well-honed eternal perspective, we would actually hope for the death of as many children as possible before the age of accountability. It would give them the maximal eternal benefit. Why try to help any kids with health problems, especially before age 8?

Anybody who would take their kid to a doctor to prevent his death obviously lacks eternal perspective. Anybody who would try to prevent death by starvation of kids in Africa lacks eternal perspective.

If that mindset helps you cope with life, good for you.

[MikeWaters]

None of you have read "Candide." A shame.

[CardiacCoug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

None of you have read "Candide." A shame.

Candide is one of my favorites. The best of all possible worlds, Dr. Pangloss, etc. Why would you assume I didn't read it? I didn't quote it because it doesn't really prove anything and I'm not a big fan of the French.

But, yeah, I agree with Voltaire on this issue.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by CardiacCoug

If we all had such an well-honed eternal perspective, we would actually hope for the death of as many children as possible before the age of accountability. It would give them the maximal eternal benefit. Why try to help any kids with health problems, especially before age 8?

Anybody who would take their kid to a doctor to prevent his death obviously lacks eternal perspective. Anybody who would try to prevent death by starvation of kids in Africa lacks eternal perspective.

If that mindset helps you cope with life, good for you.

My mindset is that I don't know what the real answer is, but I'm not arrogant enough to lose respect for someone who chooses to believe that everything happens for a reason.

[MikeWaters]

There is a family in my ward that had a toddler who somehow left the house in the early morning before anyone else was awake and got hit and killed on a highway.

When I hear the mother say, years later, that things happen for a reason, it's hard for me to get upset at her.

[CardiacCoug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

There is a family in my ward that had a toddler who somehow left the house in the early morning before anyone else was awake and got hit and killed on a highway.

When I hear the mother say, years later, that things happen for a reason, it's hard for me to get upset at her.

Such a terrible thing. I wouldn't be upset at her, either. God probably doesn't mind being blamed for stuff like that if it helps people cope with tragedy.

[SeattleUte]

I don't dislike any of the quotes in this thread except Chino's. They're all good, and exist for a reason.