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I just had a wonderful evening spent in discussion with others, mostly students but at least two others who were not, regarding the benevolence of God. The group is called Belief in Question. As far as I can tell, there’s no other web presence for the group, which is unfortunate, as I’d love to be able to continue some of the conversation we had tonight online asynchronously.  If any of the attendees from tonight somehow track this down, drop me a line!

While benevolence was our topic of conversation, we strayed onto well-worn paths regarding the nature of morality, justice, and love and how these interact with benevolence. Event better: there were those in the room who disagreed — heck, some who don’t even believe in God — and no one was treated as if the were inferior or superior simple based on the personal beliefs they brought to the table.

It is unfortunate, I suppose, that the primary speaker, i.e. the one who came up with the topic for discussion, seemed to have made up his mind that God is not benevolent and, in fact, that the is, in fact, malevolent and, while others in the room, ironically myself included, provided arguments in favor of His benevolence, I think that the speaker had based his position on and around his own personal view made it feel like debate where he staunchly defended it and we tried to tear it down.  Luckily, I think we moved past more competitive mode eventually, but I think he was a little perturbed that not everyone in the room was more moved by his argument.

It was also interesting to find myself in a debate structured within a Judeo-Christian framework.  While I was raised within those philosophies and have a great respect for them, there are many parts of the Bible (both testaments) and the materials surrounding and supporting it that I question, some on the basis of historical fact and others simply on the basis of personal philosophy and spirituality.  Being brought into a discussion framed in a philosophy that I didn’t personally share focusing on a question that, while intellectually stimulating, isn’t one that I find very personally relevant was an exciting challenge for me and one that I quite enjoyed.  I don’t know if I was very effective, but I had a good time none the less.

As in many cases, I think it was the after-party, so to speak, that was more valuable than the actual event.  After the group had wrapped up, those of us still engaged in the conversation remained to continue sharing our thoughts.  These smaller groups made it a little bit more interesting to share personal thoughts and feelings that were outside the framework of the larger group discussion.

The make up of the group was interesting.  There were probably about 15-20 people there, roughly 1/2 Christian — mostly Catholics, it seemed — and 1/2 atheist.  And me, the lonely Pagan.  Speaking with the event organizer, he had invited other faiths including Hindus, Muslims, and Bahá’í but they were either unable or uninterested in coming.  It was also a shame that some of my other friends from the Pagan Students Association were unable to make it, but hopefully they’ll be there to back me up in the future.

Unfortunately, there are no more events for the group this semester, though it sounds like they’re going to continue hosting events in the Fall.  I look forward to them; I had a wonderful time tonight and hope to have more in the future.