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A CNN news anchor stated on September 11 that when a tragedy occurs like the one that occured that day people naturally seek comfort and hope from a higher power. Judging from what I have seen on TV and in those around me, that seems to be true for many people. But I have great difficulty understanding why. As a gesture of support for my friends and the survivors in a time of distress, I attended a prayer service in memory of those killed on September 11. The deity was asked to comfort and have mercy on the families and friends of those who died. While I wish for every comfort and mercy for these people, I cannot see why we should want to ask the deity to see to it. To me, what was being said was the following: "God, you have killed, or allowed to be killed, several thousand innocent people. Now I ask you to comfort and have mercy on the survivors." Does this make sense? A deity who was all-powerful and all-knowing surely could accomplish both of these things. But surely a deity who was all-good would never have allowed the first so as to have to be requested to do the second. Contrary to what the CNN commentator stated, a tragedy of the kind that happened on September 11 moves me away from the idea of such a "higher power," not toward it. I cannot take comfort in the idea that there is an all-powerful deity who would permit the devastation of September 11 to take place. Does anyone else see it that way? I send this not to offend but with genuine philosophical puzzlement. Ken (care-giver) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn