Why do bad things happen?

The bad things are spiritual tests. Without tests of faith, there would be no reason to believe. God gave us free will to see if we choose to believe after these tests. If we didn't have free will, there would be no bad things. Which would you rather have?

Edit: the bad things are not always tests to the people they happen to. Many times the only reason God will bring someone into this world is to test the faith of their loved ones by taking them out of this world. Although it seems unfair, mean, and cruel of God to do it, know that the 3 year old is in a much better place, and the understanding of that can only strengthen your relationship with Him

Bad things happen because everything is random. That's the truth.

There are earthquakes, not because of "god" but because of the shifting tectonic plates in the earth. There are floods and tornadoes because we live on a still-cooling planet with a turbulent weather system. Children and adults get diseases because of cellular mutations like cancer. Viruses are spread from person to person, like HIV. Children get hit by cars because stupid people drive drunk, or parents weren't supervising the child at the moment, or just because toddlers do crazy, unpredictable crap. (I know, I raised three of them)

There is no big cosmic "why". Really, there's not. Life is random. Saying otherwise is either wishful (god is watching over us) or paranoid (god is punishing us)

True, that means there is not a big guy in the sky looking out for you.

But it also means that there is not a big guy in the sky who wants to hurt you or punish you, either

Those who say "it's a test" are trying to ascribe meaning to something without any proof. That is also wishful thinking.

There is no moral justification for a baby that is born in Africa, who suffers terribly, horribly for three long years while it's mother prays desperately for help and food for her baby every SINGLE day and then the baby dies of starvation. This happens thousands of times each week not only in africa but elsewhere.

"It's a test" is crap. And I hope you're smarter than that. Either there is no god (my guess) or he's not powerful enough to help (so not "god" at all) or he chooses not to help...so he's evil. (can you conceive of NOT feeding a starving baby if you could do it? What kind of immoral a$$ would you have to be?).

Really no "god" is the best scenario.

Bad things do happen but you can not do any thing to it.

(After dark Light so you know the value of the light.)

For some it may be a Return Back.

For few it may be Testing Patients / Faith.

It may be for some thing relay Big Good Thing is going to happen in your life and God is preparing you.

What ever happens it is only for Good. Time will only explain why ? What ?

Because people are Bad, God cant choose sides or he is bad as well as good. That is why we need "the gods" so with more than one we have a larger assortments of beings to blame for our own screw ups. Oh, I forgot we are gods and I happen to be one. Himm, Here are some scriptures to prove it. Dont let some preachers try and convince you it means something else. read it for what it is.

http://talismanskulls.webs.com/

Old Testament

Psalm 82:6: I have said “Ye are gods.” And all of you children of the Most High.

Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

28:13: "I see gods ascending out of the earth," she exclaimed

New Testament

John10:34: Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Ecclesiastes 9:11 says that “time and unforeseen occurrence” also have a bearing on what happens to us. We may get hurt, not because the Devil directly causes it or because any human does it, but because by chance we are in a place at the wrong moment.

He put is here to do His will and rule the earth on His behalf, which is what the Kingdom of God is. When we go our own way instead, which is wrong, all kinds of evil result. It's not what we were designed for. Try to plow a field with your car. I won't go well and your car's going to suffer for it.

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil?

Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?"

— Epicurus (ca. 341-270 BCE), Greek philosopher

"Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can and does not want to.

If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent.

If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked.

If, as they say, God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?"

— Epicurus

Because God is bad!

Because things just happen.

We give them attribute of "good" or "bad" in attempt to give meaning but, really, they are just things.

god isnt what you might think he is kid.