Does god punish people

[Ejsanch22]

Hi there folks,
Edward here. I haven't been on this site in years. It's good to be back. For those who don't know I suffer from paranoid schizophrenia. My question is does god punish people. Moreover would god punish me for having schizophrenia. As of late I've been terrified that god hates me and is going to torture me. I hate feeling this way, and part of me is convinced that it's the disease trying to trick me. I feel a little embarrassed to say the least. Thank you for taking the time to read my message.
- edward

[happyrain]

Hi Edward, it's nice to see you posting.

No. I do not believe God punishes people. My personal experience leads me to believe this.
I do think people punish people, and we also punish ourselves. We are our worse critics, and we have been too attached to medieval dogmas.

I do hope you seek professional advice as well. Please do not feel embarrassed... I remember your name from years ago, and you have always been very kind and open.

The first thing we must develop is faith in our selves. It's a daunting task, but I do believe this is a crucial step towards dealing with fear of the unknown.

Recognize how you want to feel. You already recognize how you don't want to feel.

I believe Gods love is far greater than what any of us have been able to write about. You deserve that Love.

But it isn't enough for somebody else to tell you that.

I pray for your continued support.

[Sandy]

Hello Edward,
I saw you had re registered a little while back and was hoping so much that you would post again.

I agree with everything Eric said is his post.

For God to be mad at you for having a physical ailment of the brain would be like God being mad at someone for having cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. You can't help that you have paranoid schizophrenia.
You have something that is very difficult to manage and I have so much admiration for you. You could become hard and bitter and even though I do not know you very well, I sense an inate kindness in you, an honesty, as shown in your honesty here in your post.

God is pure love, he knows us...our histories, our thoughts, why we think and say and do the things we do and he adores and loves us anyway. I suspect he supports and encircles you as you struggle with this., looking at you with unconditional love and seeing you in the past, present and future....perhaps seeing how you will succeed and use what you have learned from this rough mortal life to great advantage for yourself and others in His/Her name...( It helps me sometimes to remember that... andthe little nugget, "this too shall pass.)

I can't imagine the difficulties so I won't pretend I understand and can offer advice.
But I am just so glad to see you here again, Edward. You have always had a special place in my heart.
love,
Sandy

[Ejsanch22]

Hi sandy and happy rainy.
Thank you so much for the replies. I think you guys are very kind. I hate having schizophrenia. Sometimes I wonder why god gave me this disease in the first place. Maybe one day I will understand. I love God so much.

[happyrain]

Dear Edward,

Concentrate on all that Love you have for God
And try to share that, with your Self and the World around you.

Don't worry, about a thing.

[Sandy]

Thank you Eric from me too...
you wrote:

Don't worry, about a thing.

Wow, I need to concentrate on that.

Edward, just by saying, "I love God so much!" you are well ahead of many people on this planet in what is of most eternal value, God love and knowledge. How many people don't give Him or Her even the merest thought in their daily lives? Perhaps this disease has allowed you to find God, love Him, rely on him, and be closer to him than if you did not have it. ???

Eric is right when encouraging you to share this God love you have within you. I know for a fact that when you share yourself with us here, we are better for it. In a way, you are a teacher in your own right, inspiring us to try a little harder when we feel like quitting for example. or... Being grateful and accepting of life in the form and fashion it unfolds for us...and by reminding us to keep our love for God firmly in the forefront.
Thank you for all that and more.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Knowing that AI selects and summarizes what it learns from the internet,
this was a good question to ask Perplexity! Reasonable summary of its response:
God, as a loving parent, only disciplines - never punishes.


Re: https://www.perplexity.ai/

Q: Does God punish people?

"God's approach to punishment and discipline is a complex theological topic.
Based on the search results, here are the key points:

Punishment vs. Discipline

Many Christian theologians make a distinction between punishment and discipline when it comes to God's dealings with people:

- Punishment is seen as retributive justice for wrongdoing, focused on the past.
- Discipline is viewed as corrective training aimed at future improvement.

For believers in Christ, many argue that God no longer punishes them for sin, since Jesus took that punishment on the cross.
Instead, God disciplines believers to help them grow in righteousness.

God's Dealings with Non-Believers

For those who reject God, the Bible indicates that punishment will come:

- In this life, through natural consequences of sin.
- In the future Day of the Lord judgment.
- Ultimately in eternal separation from God.

God's Dealings with Believers

For Christians, views differ on whether God "punishes" them:

- Some argue God only lovingly disciplines, not punishes believers.
- Others contend God can and does punish believers for persistent sin, though not with eternal condemnation.

Examples of Divine Punishment

The Old Testament contains many examples of God punishing people for sin:

- Miriam struck with leprosy.
- Moses and Aaron barred from the Promised Land.
- David facing consequences for adultery and murder.

However, such clear examples are less common in the New Testament,
leading some to conclude God's approach changed after Christ.

Purpose of Divine Discipline

When God does discipline believers, it is seen as:

- Motivated by love, not hostility.
- Aimed at producing righteousness and peace.
- Sometimes involving painful consequences to motivate repentance.

In summary, while views differ on the specifics, most Christian theologians agree that God deals with sin seriously,
but His ultimate goal is to redeem and restore people rather than simply punish them."


Rod

[happyrain]

Thank you Rod,

It is a great point- that disciplinary action administered by God is something done with Love.

It's easy to understand.

[Starwalker]

Hi Edward,

A little fear can be healthy at times. As the old saying goes, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of punishment for wrong doing can be a mighty motivator. And until one learns to respect the self and others, fear of punishment helps to keep us in line. But eventually we move away from the fear of wrong doing and towards the love of doing what’s right.

You raise a good question about whether God punishes people for being schizophrenic. It is not known how this illness develops. It seems that some people are more susceptible to it but environmental factors such as traumatic stress and excessive drug and alcohol use can trigger the illness. Therefore, it appears that this can be a self inflicted mental illness in some cases. So it could be that there is a need to correct certain behaviours. In which case discipline may be beneficial.

While God abhors sinful attitudes and behaviours, he still loves the person. So you shouldn’t fear that God hates you for any reason. The reason he hates sin is because he loves us and wants what’s best for us. The are no arbitrary sins. There is always a reason for something to be considered wrong. And that reason is that it is hurtful in some way. If someone hates that you are getting hurt, then it stands to reason that that person cares about you.

I think it may be beneficial to contemplate why we love God. We love God not only because of what He has done for us, but also for who He is. God is benevolent, he always chooses truth, beauty and goodness. He is love. His punishments are also blessings, so we should not be afraid of them. If we desire to become like God, the arrangements will be made. But it is up to us to follow the path before us.

I wish you well in coping with your illness. We all have our crosses to bear in this world. Keep the faith, brother.

God bless,
Jonathan

[Amigoo]

An unusual question for non-human Perplexity
until we remember that AI selects/integrates its responses
from internet information that best relates to the question.
The key is to ask good questions.

Re: https://www.perplexity.ai/

Q: Considering that God is a loving parent,
what would be his "punishments"?

"When considering God's approach to "punishment" as a loving parent, it's important to understand
the nuanced perspective presented in theological teachings:

God's Love and Discipline

God's actions towards His children are rooted in love, even when they involve correction or discipline.
The concept of divine punishment is often misunderstood or oversimplified.

Consequences vs. Punishment

There's an important distinction between consequences and punitive punishment:

- Consequences are the natural results of our actions.
- Punishment is an imposed penalty.

God often allows the natural consequences of our actions to unfold, rather than imposing arbitrary punishments.

Divine Discipline

The Bible portrays God's discipline as an act of love: "For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges". This discipline is described as:

- Beneficial for our growth.
- A sign of God's love and our status as His children.
- Aimed at helping us share in His holiness.

Purpose of Correction

God's corrective actions serve several purposes:

- To guide us away from harmful behaviors.
- To protect us from worse outcomes.
- To encourage repentance and growth.

God's Mercy and Grace

It's crucial to note that God's approach is characterized more by mercy and instruction than by direct punishments.
His ultimate goal is our redemption and reconciliation, not our condemnation.

Parental Application

This understanding of God's approach can inform human parenting:

- Discipline should be rooted in love and concern.
- The focus should be on instruction and encouragement.
- Consequences should be appropriate and consistent.
- The goal is to guide children towards better behavior, not to simply penalize them.

In conclusion, God's "punishments" are better understood as loving discipline aimed at our growth and well-being, rather than
as retributive penalties. This perspective aligns with the image of God as a loving Father who seeks the best for His children."


Rod

[lethaniel]

Hello Edward,

God only know two types of human beings: Those who love God because they know Him, and those who don't love Him because they do not know Him.

Every aspect of our existence is chosen, not by chance, although for us it may seem to be so. Like Sandy says, I too admire you. You are one of those warriors that don't have it 'easy' on this life. Each one of us has its own struggles. I struggle with ADHD, which is not like a health condition, but makes life a living hell, because at first you don't even know it if you have it. Communication is a very challenging thing.

I use to hate it. Why couldn't I be like everyone else? I wanted to be "normal" like everyone else. It turns out that there is no such thing as "normal" in this planet. Someone told me once upon a time: "It is difficult for you to do certain things, but it is admirable the tons of things you've learned in so little time, just addressing your condition." Then I found this forum, The Urantia Book, and eventually God.

You're still capable of making choices. You had the courage to step up in this forum and put yourself out here. You are too blessed with a Fragment of God within. To look within you it might be a much more challenge than to others. But after a lot of practice, after shutting every thought, after quietting your heart,after a very long work with yourself, you'll find that your condition will be as light as a feather. Breath out, close your eyes, remember that God Loves you, and become your real self.

True to be told, it is difficult, and at first very hard. But if you keep at it, consistently, you my friend and brother, will find that you never have been alone. For those look, looking at every day, they shall find.

Even if you feel like you fail, "There is One powerful enough that could take this away, because God is all powerful."

Regards,

[Ejsanch22]

hi guys,
thank you for the insight, I really appreciate your kind comments. I still don't know why I have this illness in the first place. I guess only time will tell.