Its interesting thread and I wonder why no one has posted a review.
For the purpose of audience, I will try to summaries my views.
In actual fact, am fond of noir movies and often watches them and I remember watching Gaslight movie of the 1940s. In the film, the term "gaslighting" originates from the plot where the husband, played by Charles Boyer in the 1944 version, manipulates and deceives his wife, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman, into believing she is losing her sanity. One of the methods he uses involves dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying that the light has changed when his wife points it out. This systematic manipulation is aimed at making her doubt her own perceptions and memory, ultimately to control her and gain power over her.
The link provided in this thread uses this concept metaphorically to describe a similar process of manipulation and control purportedly exercised by religious narratives within the Abrahamic faiths. Just as the husband in "Gaslight" manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity by altering her environment and then denying it, the video suggests that religious narratives manipulate believers into questioning their moral and existential perceptions. This is achieved by presenting a reality where an all-loving, all-powerful God is said to allow or even cause suffering, evil, and imperfection in the world, leading believers to doubt their understanding of goodness, justice, and divine benevolence.
I would go even beyond and sight many personal observations where I questioned the almighty for many things happened or happening in my own life and asking questions "why me" and then looking at the world and what's happening in the world and again question "whey them". Recent example is of the suffering inflicted upon a certain community living in Gaza and being subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatments by the followers of the same Abrahamic religion, but again this would go into geo-politics domain and so much evil has been inflicted that one can not clearly understand is the one being oppressed really being punished or what?
I would have joined the ranks of those who call themselves atheists and would have agreed with what's explained in the youtube link posted in this thread, had I not understood one thing.. which is that who ever sent by God as messengers, their main message revolves around one thing "Akhira". i.e. this world is not temporary and there is another world where every one will be held accountable for their past actions , good or bad and hence the concept of evil and suffering in the world are part of the test of life, with human free will playing a crucial role in this dynamic.
In essence, The narrator of the YouTube video presents a perspective on God and evil that overlooks key theological principles found in Islamic teachings, particularly those emphasizing the wisdom, justice, and mercy of God as outlined in the Quran. In Islam, the existence of evil and suffering is understood within the context of a divine test, where human free will plays a crucial role. The Quran teaches that God is all-knowing (omniscient) and all-powerful (omnipotent), and that everything, including apparent evil, occurs within God's wisdom and serves a purpose beyond human comprehension. This perspective challenges the video's assertion of a contradiction by highlighting that God allows human beings the freedom to choose, making the world a place of trial and testing to distinguish the righteous from the wicked. The Quranic view reconciles the presence of evil with God's benevolence by framing life's hardships as opportunities for growth, learning, and spiritual development, ultimately leading to a greater good that may not be immediately apparent to human understanding.
To illustrate the Islamic perspective on God, evil, and human suffering through a parable, consider the story of a farmer and his seeds:
Once upon a time, in a vast and fertile land, there lived a wise and compassionate farmer. This farmer had a variety of seeds, each with the potential to grow into a beautiful and fruitful plant. Before planting, the farmer knew which seeds were resilient and which were fragile, yet he planted them all across his land, giving each the same care and opportunity to grow.
As the days passed, some seeds sprouted quickly, basking in the sunlight, while others struggled, facing challenges from the harsh weather and the soil's varying conditions. The farmer watched over them, providing water and nutrients, but he also allowed the natural challenges of the environment to test the seeds. He knew that the struggle would make them stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the life ahead.
One day, a passerby, observing the farmer's actions, questioned, "Why do you let these seeds struggle? If you are so powerful and caring, why not make all conditions perfect for them to grow without hardship?"
The farmer replied, "It is through facing the wind and the rain that these plants grow strong. Their struggles allow them to develop deep roots and sturdy stems, enabling them to withstand future storms and provide shelter and nourishment to others. Without these challenges, they would not reach their full potential or appreciate the warmth of the sun after a cold night."
This parable mirrors the Islamic understanding of God's role in human life. Just as the farmer knows the potential of each seed and provides it with the opportunity to grow, God knows the potential of every soul and places it in circumstances where it can develop strength, resilience, and faith. The challenges and "evils" in life are akin to the harsh weather and poor soil—tests that, when faced with patience and faith, lead to spiritual growth and understanding. God, like the wise farmer, does not impose these conditions out of malice but out of a deep, encompassing love, guiding every soul towards its ultimate potential. In this way, the presence of trials and tribulations in the world is not a sign of God's absence or malevolence but a testament to His wisdom, mercy, and the profound love He holds for His creation, encouraging growth, learning, and eventual flourishing in the eternal gardens of Paradise.
In the end, every one is for himself, he goes through hardships in this life and when he shall meet his lord, let him ask all these queries directly, at least that is what I would do and perhaps I will understand all the reasons that i have been puzzled in life.... but I would still want to be on the side of being a believer that there is a creator rather then being on other side.
So to answer Jkhan question, I do not agree with the video. The narrator's analysis misses key Islamic teachings that address the coexistence of an all-loving, all-powerful God with the presence of evil. Firstly, life is seen as a test in Islam, with trials serving to strengthen faith and character. Secondly, divine wisdom is beyond human comprehension; what may seem evil can have a purpose unknown to us. Thirdly, humans have free will, making them responsible for their actions rather than attributing all evil directly to God. Fourthly, the emphasis on God's mercy and forgiveness is overlooked, which is central to understanding the Islamic perspective on suffering and redemption. Lastly, the role of Satan in Islam is not to overpower human will but to tempt, leaving individuals responsible for their choices. These concepts collectively offer a nuanced understanding of the balance between divine omnipotence, human agency, and the existence of evil.
I would like to share an interesting video where a Muslim turned atheist is discussing with an atheist turned Muslim. and I am amazed by the knowledge of Hamza in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvbnu48fVMEThank you.
