I am glad that this is our first book for the summer because it has so much to offer and think about! Greg's answers to his father's challenging questions are very interesting to see him take a very in-depth and practical view of God and the gospel. Other Christians may just say things without taking into account the bigger view, like his dad noted. I think a lot of his explanations and clarifications can help me and others understand more and consider different aspects of the gospel and God.
Part 1:
In the first couple of correspondents there is a lot of discussion of love and the freedom of love. The question is brought up about how evil and suffering can exist with God. From his explanation and the world around us we can see just how evil we all can be. There is so much hate, violence, and anger in this world, that love may at times seems scarce. But as we read and know this is a choice we make, to choose to love or hurt, and like Greg shares it is a risk that God took with us. All of us have that potential inside to do harm and many have done harm, although we may not realize it at first. "If we have the potential to oppress or slay millions, it's because we also have the potential to liberate and love millions" (Correspondence 3, page 34). It is interesting the take that God took a risk when creating us, just as we now take risks in relationships. He took that risk, and now we have the choice to love those around us as He calls us to in many different places in the Bible.
I am so amazed by the amount of love that has been showed to me while I am so undeserving. Those who have loved me choose to, as I chose to love, and I think God has really loved me through people. In the recent months and weeks I have experienced so much love that others did not have to give. It is far better to show this love then to harm those around us, and from this I along with others can experience the richness of relationships that we are able to create.
From correspondent 4, Greg brought his perspective that God does not really know the future or that He is not all knowing of our future. When, in Jeremiah 29:11 it talks about the plans God has for us, is it talking generally about the good that He hopes will be in our lives or the things that He does have in store for our futures? We are given free will for our choices, and this may be why God does not know our set future since our decision may shape our future (Page 38). Greg does provide additional sources so they may be helpful, but does anyone have their take on this topic?
Happy reading,
Clare
