Cosmic Poker

I talked to George, a Jehovah's Witness, about theology once. I asked him why God chooses to let evil continue in the world, when he certainly has the power to eradicate it, should he choose. George took me through what he had been taught, and explained to me over the course of an hour that he believes God indeed does have the power to eradicate evil, but he chooses not to because he is making a point to the devil. George referenced the book of Job, and used some loose interpretations to show how God wants to prove he is all-powerful to Satan, and that when Satan finally concedes defeat, then evil will no longer exist.

Even though my conversation with George was several months ago, it still runs through my mind occasionally. To think that evil exists because of some cosmic bet between God and Satan tends to boggle my mind.

At first, I thought George was full of it. But some days, when the thought catches me off guard, I can't help but wonder if maybe God has brought out his poker chips and pulled up his chair. He winks across the table, and shuffles me into the deck.

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