Stephen Fry at his best- I was very very young when I thought no God merciful would allow so much suffering in the world. Could never understand why I was lucky and loved, and so many were not. When the Vicar told me God allowed so much suffering to test out faith- that was just too much, too unjust and cruel- what Father would do that to his beloved children.
I also thought he'd missed the point, but not in the way that you do, soontobe.
I felt he was confusing the concept of a God with the God of organised religion. No way would the God I envisage expect or demand that people bow down and worship him/her/it!
I agree with you Grannyknot. However, we will not meet him to ask him unless we change our ideas. Have just sent it on to all the atheists I know, and probably a few believers as well.
I really needed to see that today. My wonderful neighbour whom we adore has inoperable cancer of the oesophagus (diagnosed the week before Christmas) and a 43 year old we know was given the news on Monday that he has 6 months to live (brain tumour) and my close friend's sister is flying to the US for a last ditch attempt at stem cell treatment for ALS which is killing her slowly at 51. So I'd have a few questions for God myself.
Well - yes Stephen; sadly you are right. And so eloquently expressed. I love this guy's humanity I really do. That poor interviewer looked as though he might explode!