Contra Krugman Ep. 174: Tom and I Defend Our Corporate Paymasters
This is one of the rare times when I get more agitated than Tom. I will tolerate a lot, but if you threaten billionaires, watch out buddy.
BMS ep. 14: On Parables, Lizard People, and Good vs. Evil
This is the episode that will make people either love me or think, “OK yeah, he’s crazy.”
Lara-Murphy Show episode 66: Getting in the Minds of Fed Officials
Carlos and I think like central bankers in this one…
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
My pastor tackled this question today in church. I was impressed and glad to hear him admit fairly early that, “I don’t know.” (R.C. Sproul did the same thing, if I recall correctly, in his speech, “What Is Evil and Where Did It Come From?”)
My pastor used an analogy that I have often found useful, in comparing us to little children with earthly parents. There are time when a child might be furious at his mother, not understanding why she’s “being so mean!!” Yet in many cases, the human parent is actually acting in the best interest of the child, even though he might not understand why he has to take medicine, leave the playground, go to bed, etc.
Likewise, though we as adults are far wiser and smarter than toddlers, we are nothing compared to God. And so whatever the answers are to the toughest questions–why does He allow wars? children to get cancer? etc.–we literally could not comprehend them right now.
One thing I would like to add, which my pastor didn’t touch on: In this type of scenario, it’s understandable that a cynic would respond, “Oh great, you admit you don’t know, and so you just punt. Let me guess: You have to have ‘faith.’ Thanks, but I’ll stick to reason and evidence.”
Yet this is misunderstanding what “faith” is, in this context. Even in everyday language, if you have faith in someone, or if someone says, “You’ll just have to trust me on this,” that does not mean, “Throw your mind out the window.” It would be foolish for Lois Lane to trust Lex Luthor, but it’s entirely rational for her to trust Superman.
Likewise, Christians believe that God became a man in order to suffer and die to rescue us from our sins. Given our understanding of God’s character, it’s perfectly reasonable to trust Him. So no, I can’t explain exactly why every injustice occurred, though we do see some examples in the Bible. (E.g., Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but God used that in order to rescue all of Israel from the coming famine and ensure that His promise would be fulfilled.) But I am confident that God is good and in charge, and we will one day understand.
(Speaking of which, if you’ve never listened to the lyrics of this Dan Fogelberg song, give them a chance.)
Nominations for Best Intro Episodes to Contra Krugman?
Some homework for you, kids: My dad wants me to compile a list of some of the best Contra Krugman episodes for him to send others, if they express interest in the concept. So the point here isn’t to teach someone Austrian business cycle theory, the point is to get the person to think, “Oh yeah, I’m glad I just spent a half hour listening to that, I’ll get some more episodes.”
What do you think? I’ve noticed that my favorite episodes are not necessarily yours.
Dave Smith Talks Comedy and More on the Bob Murphy Show
This was a really fun one. We spend most of the time discussing stand-up comedy, but then transition to the Fed, fatherhood, and faith.
Bob on Tom Woods Show Talking About Bob
What about it? Here ya go.
(Note that I have had 2 recent appearances; this isn’t a double post.)
Recent Comments