what I learnt from Dan Brown! =)

Excerpts from Angels & Demons by Dan Brown where Chartrand, a Swiss guard asks the camerlengo a very good question.

Questions about why God allow bad things to happen has always been posed to me and I am quite happy with this answer I found in the book. Who knew we could find such truth in a fiction book!...

Scene is when Chartrand askes the camerlengo...

'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 didn't ask?' Well... if God loves us, and He can protect us, He would have to. It seems He is either 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 everything 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 shateboard, 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 mollycoodle him if that's what you mean.'

'But what if he fell and skinned his knee?'

'He would learn to be more careful.'

The camerlengo smiled. 'So although you have the power to interfere and prevent you child's pain, you would choose to show your love by letting him learn his own lessons?'

'Of course. Pain is part of growing up. It's how we learn.'

The camerlengo nodded. 'Exactly.'