[Avodah] God's Answer was "NO"

[Harry Maryles]

Richard Wolberg <cantorwolberg at cox.net> wrote:
    First of all, I would NEVER tell anyone who prayed for a loved one that God's answer was "No."  That would be cruel and pointless. But to follow your logic, how is it any less cruel to tell a parent that God just didn't answer the prayer. The same problem still exists. God does what He wills, not what we will. At times, He answers our requests and at times He doesn't for only reasons He alone knows. To say His answer was "No" is just as good as saying He didn't answer them, period. We're really talking semantics and avoiding the much larger theological puzzle. The ultimate answer is that we have no answer and IMHO, the more people come up with different reasons, is grasping at unknowable straws. The only time a theory assumes ultimate authority is when it can be proven. That's where faith comes in.
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  The problem I have is not with the Hashkafoc aspect of what you said. The problem I have with it is as a rejoinder to one who says God didn't answer their paryers. People who say 'God didn't answer their prayers' means that God did not give them the answer they were praying for. To then point that out ia Hashkafic point is insensitive to the seriousness of the moment. No Maamin would deny the Hashkafic statement that the answer was a no. 
   
  I have heard people who are in sorrow sat their prayers weren't answered. They may even put it in the form of a question. Does the response have to be, Well but God DID answer your question, He said No! I think it highly insensitve. That is no time for a lesson in Hashkafa.
   
  HM




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