By: Simon Hajj
During one of my travels, while waiting in the airport lobby for my flight to start boarding, a young man sat next to me. We started talking, much to my surprise he turned out to be from my home town and he lives in the same city that I live in, in the United States. We instantly became good friends as we have much in common except for one thing, he’s an atheist and I am not.
While we were talking, he sneezed, I said, God bless you, he said, thank you but I don’t think he will, because I don’t believe that there’s one. I said, how could you say that? Just look around you and see God’s creations. He said, this is nature and the beautiful cities, buildings and landscapes are all man-made. He also said, if there’s God then answer these questions for me and if your answers are convincing, I will start believing in him. Here are some of my questions: If there’s God then:
- Why doesn’t he show us and use his power for the benefit of the people?
- Look at Gaza, all those innocent people were slaughtered for no reason, and the majority of them are religious and believing in God. All those children never had a chance to experience life. No protection from anyone, not even God. They say that all these children are going to heaven but why weren’t they given a chance to live first?
- The Israelis destroyed not only homes and buildings but also Mosques and Churches, why didn’t God protect his places of worship in Gaza?
- The Israelis are digging under the Masjed Al-Aqsa. They are planning to destroy it and build a temple in its place, is God going to stop them? I don’t think so.
He added, I have many more question but let’s stop for now.
I must say that I couldn’t answer or explain any of his questions. He did not convince me to become an atheist like him but he has good and valid concerns.
In my quest to find answers, I searched on you tube. I found many videos talking about religion and explanation of Quran and how God punished some non-believers but no videos explain any of his questions.
I hate to admit it, but I am stumped. If someone has any convincing answers, please respond to this article in the comment area.