Why would a perfect God have its creation suffer on Earth?

This isn't a contradiction. It doesn't take a bible scholar to figure this out.

When reading the passages in context, Exodus 21:24, Lev. 24:20, and Deut. 19:21, it is clear that they are simply pointing out that the punishment should always fit the crime. These laws were given-- not to the people, but to the courts, the assemblies, judges, and priests of a theocracy.

In the New Testament we find Jesus in the role of a civil magistrate. He makes one thing clear just a few verses before: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matt. 5:17).

In verse 38 is when he goes on to say: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

This is precisely what is expected of all Christians: to "turn the other cheek", not to take "the Law" into our own hands. It is for the law to punish justly, the punishment always fitting the crime ("eye for an eye"-- also, see Matt. 18:21-22).

So what you are saying is that it is up to the courts to sentence with these punishments? Is this your meaning of the punishment always fits the crime?

1. Exodus 22:20 "He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed."

2. Leviticus 24:16 "And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death,"

3. Exodus 31:15 "Whosoever shall work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

4. Exodus 21:15 "And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death."

5. Exodus 21:17 "And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death."

6. Exodus 22:19 "Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death."

7. Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death."

8. Leviticus 20:10 "And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death."

9. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth not, shall be damned."

10. Malachi 2:1-4 "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name.... Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces.

raheel

How on earth do you come to the conclusions that;

a) God is not responsible for free will ?

b) God is not responsible for nature ?

c) God can cause things ?
e) God has reasons ?
f) God punishes ?
g) gods exist ?

d) Suffering is a test ?

h) no other causes of suffereing are possible ?

Indeed they fit the crime, turn your back to the will of God and unless repentence is utilized, he shall turn his back to you.

3. Exodus 31:15 "Whosoever shall work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

You gave two very simple alternatives and allowed no other possibilities. How can you claim to know these things?

Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother...it's one of the commandments. We don't kill the children, god is the one who punishes people.

When reading the passages in context, Exodus 21:24, Lev. 24:20, and Deut. 19:21, it is clear that they are simply pointing out that the punishment should always fit the crime. These laws were given-- not to the people, but to the courts, the assemblies, judges, and priests of a theocracy. ...

This is precisely what is expected of all Christians: to "turn the other cheek", not to take "the Law" into our own hands. It is for the law to punish justly, the punishment always fitting the crime ("eye for an eye"-- also, see Matt. 18:21-22).

But then, after looking at Iraq, perhaps we are.