Discussion Post
After Father Paneloux's sermon, Dr. Rieux had a philosophical conversation with his close friend Jean Tarrou.
Tarrou squared his shoulders against the back of the chair, then moved his head forward into the light.
"Do you believe in God, doctor?"
Again the question was put in an ordinary tone. But this time Rieux took longer to find his answer.
"No, but what does that really mean? I'm fumbling in the dark, struggling to make something out. But I've long ceased finding that original."
"Isn't that it, the gulf between Paneloux and you?" [Later in about 40 pages, Rieux had a similar dialogue with Paneloux.]
The conversation surrounds the thorny theological issues of believing an omnipotent and loving God while facing the gruesome reality of a plague. Quite similar to our situation in US today.
What do you think? Do you think more people will away from faith in God in this epidemic? Or people may turn to religious faith more in times of distress? Or it won't make a different?
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.