Please write a paragraph responding to the discussion bellow. Add citations and references in alphabetical order.

The four parts of the Christian Biblical Narrative that refer to the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease include: creation, fall, redemption and restoration. According to Christianity, God is the creator of everything that exists (Gen 1-2). It is thought that everything is exactly the way it is supposed to be according to Gods liking. So according to Christianity, if one falls ill, their loved ones should look to God to answer why he choose that person to be sick and why he created that disease in the first place. In some ways, disease is good, it helps keep our planet’s population under control, with out it, and we probably would have used up all of our planets natural resources centuries ago.

The act of Adam and Eve’s disobedience is considered the Fall when this created order was broken. Because of the Fall, the Shalom affected the creation ever since causing death, disease, suffering and estrangement from God. This would be the answer according to Christianity of why we have disease and suffering in today’s world.

Redemption is a record of humanity’s continual struggle and corruption after the Fall, and God’s plan for its redemption. In this redemption plan, God makes available forgiveness and salvation by grace and faith which once were estranged and are brought into unity.

Lastly, Restoration, the final chapter of the narrative is yet to be realized. It is when Jesus returns and the final judgment of all people, and the restoration of all creation will inaugurate final restoration. I see many cars with the bumper sticker, Jesus Coming Soon. I didn’t really understand what that meant to the Christian people until now, they are waiting for him to restore all of creation back in to at state of Shalom.

As a person suffering and looking for comfort and hope in the light of illness, one can look forward for the day of restoration when all suffering will end. The day when Jesus come back and lift all the pain away and stop all tragedy. It gives people hope that suffering is not forever and that will be a day that all creation is returned to a state of Shalom. Doubting God would mean that we have lost faith in his existence.

References

Rae, S. B. (2009). Moral choices: An introduction to ethics. (3^rd ed.), Grand Rapids, MI:Zondervan