We are simply analyzing their creation. Asking it some questions.
I don't think atheists do this (though I think athiests think they do this) But I think that many atheists take the worst of the worst, the most easily disproved things, and state that this is God. Because it is easier. Like going for the most ludicrous things to attack a concept. Anyone who does not believe those ludicrous things becomes not a 'real christian' but just one who is making things up that they want to believe.
The question of suffering is perhaps the biggest question, of course, and valid. But I think it is also valid that this world is as it is because of our choices throughout the ages. We could have an entirely different world if we had focused on the world as one... rather than as nations and tribes and boundary lines. If we had focused on finding balance on this planet, feeding the people, caring for one another... instead of enslaving others, finding any reason to do it and to take what we want/need. Perhaps one day we will have that world... and that would be the world that God wants us to have. But we won't find that world by abolishing the notion of God. We will only have that world if we change within. Because most of those things are done in the name of country or king, or whatever... using religion as a tool to help accomplish those means. Without religion, another tool would have been found. Leaders would have found a way to paint people who have what they want as their enemies, so they could take what they want, still.
Why does God not shout out for all to hear? Well, according to what is written, He has done so. (maybe not shout, but shown Himself) It changed what? People still hurt one another. One generation to the following generation, people forgot the lessons learned and the things taught, and did their own thing. Can't dismiss all of that if this IS the theists god being argued against by the atheists.
This is god according to beleivers: He is all powerful, but will not help.
Perhaps according to some. Not most. He does help. Perhaps just not in the way that the atheist says He should be helping, but He does help.
He is all wise, but will not share the answers.
He absolutely shares answers. One has to listen, and then hear those answers, and this is done with faith. He does not force Himself upon us.
He provides, but children starve to death.
He does provide. He has provided a planet capable of feeding everyone on it. Children starve to death because of the choices of humanity (overpopulation, greed, money spent on things other than getting food to starving children, etc).
He heals, but people die of horrific diseases.
Disease, sickness, injury, death... all afflictions of the flesh, of which we are more than just our flesh. We know, though, that some of those diseases, (and most injuries), are a consequence of man's decisions. Smoking; not eating right, overworking, not taking care of our bodies, power lines and carcinogens ignored, big companies covering things up, etc, etc.
As for healing, like what Christ and the apostles did... no one was healed who did not have the faith to be healed. (or at least also the faith to do the healing) I do not mean some wishy-washy 'belief'. But faith - the knowing (no doubting) that one will be healed, or that one can heal.
Peter walked on water because of his faith... until he doubted, and then began to sink.
Peace,
tammy
