The Question of God and Viruses: A Skeptical Analysis

The question of why God would create viruses and other deadly pathogens has long been a contentious issue for critics of religion. This article delves into the potential reasons behind the existence of harmful viruses and bacteria, as well as the suffering they cause, particularly among infants and young children. We will examine the logical arguments and evidence to see if there is any valid refutation to the claim that God is a cruel and sadistic being.

Introduction

The concept of a benevolent creator God who is responsible for both life and suffering has been a central theme in various religious and philosophical discourses. However, the existence of viruses and other deadly pathogens that cause immense suffering, especially in children, has posed a significant challenge to this belief. This article explores the arguments against the idea of a merciful God and examines the logical and evidentiary basis for these claims.

Viruses and Their Impact on Life

Viruses such as smallpox, polio, and influenza have a long history of causing suffering and death. Smallpox, for instance, killed an estimated 300 million people, including countless infants and young children, through its painful and often fatal effects. Similarly, polio in the early 1980s caused severe paralysis and often death in many victims, particularly babies and young children. The 'Spanish Flu' at the beginning of the 20th century, and the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, killed millions, including a significant number of infants and children.

The Role of God and His Creation

The theological argument often advanced is that if God created life, He must also be responsible for the creation of these harmful entities. The Bible, as referenced in the passage, states that all things were made by God. This raises the question of whether God intended to create such pathogens with the primary purpose of causing suffering and death, especially among the most innocent and vulnerable members of society, such as babies and young children.

Intentionality and Candor

It is argued that if God is omniscient and omnipotent, He would know the potential consequences of creating viruses, bacteria, and other harmful entities. The widespread spread of these pathogens through insects also compounds the issue. The insects that spread these deadly organisms are hematophagous, meaning they feed on blood for survival. Thus, they actively seek out humans for blood, simultaneously infecting humans, leading to death and suffering. This design can only be described as a cruel and sadistic method of mass murder.

The Fall from Grace and Planned Destruction

Some attempts have been made to argue that God’s creation of these pathogens was a consequence of the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden or part of the punishment for the ‘original sin’ committed by Adam and Eve. However, this argument is flawed. The Bible does not support the idea that God’s creations were completed post the creation of Adam and Eve. Moreover, even if the fall from grace triggered the creation of these pathogens, it does not justify the extensive and indiscriminate suffering caused, especially to babies and young children, without any form of retribution or redemption.

Waterboarding and the Global Flood

The sensation of drowning is one of the most horrific experiences, and it has been exploited for torture. In the Genesis myth, God used this method to drown millions of innocent individuals, including infants and young children, during the global flood. This raises the additional question of whether God’s actions in the flood were kind, fair, and just.

Conclusion

The arguments presented in this article support the claim that the existence of viruses and other harmful pathogens as part of the creation process by a benevolent God is both illogical and morally reprehensible. The extensive and indiscriminate suffering and death caused by these organisms, especially among the most vulnerable members of society, such as infants and young children, calls into question the benevolence and justice of such a God.

Keywords: God creation, viruses, suffering, cruel deception