I come from the early phases of generation "Why?" Full products of postmodern skepticism and the jaded reality of failed systems, my generation is accustomed to take nothing at face value. This skill is an asset, because it allows people like me to not fall for something right away. Of course, skepticism and cynicism can also be toxic to the soul, so every strength has its weakness (and vice versa).
John 9 is a story of the unhealthy "why?" A man is blind- has been since birth. And everyone around this man, including the disciples, are asking "why?" More importantly, they are asking about which particular sins this man committed, or his parents committed, in order to become blind.
Jesus has another reason, though, and that is so that God might work in this man's life. There are a couple ways to interpret this. One is that God blinded this man just so that God could work a miracle in his life. That might be the case, but I have another thought.
What if Jesus was just saying "Our response is to help, not judge or condemn." Jesus doesn't go on in the conversation about the pre-determined will of God, Jesus goes on to talk about the importance of doing God's work. And so Jesus got right to work, making some kind of spit-mud combination and sending the man to a pool to wash clean. And the man is healed, God's work has been done!
Not good enough for the Pharisees, who are still trapped in their ways of thinking. They still want a cause, they want to know "why" so that they can continue to condemn the man. Notice that the "why" isn't to understand God or this man better, it's so that they can exclude him. Which, technically, they do anyway.
Asking "why" is not a problem. Biblical characters do it frequently. Even Jesus asks that question. The problem is when we create a simple formula for blessing and curse. As long as I can blame you for your problems, I don't have to help you. For the Christian, this is not an option. Helping is the only option.
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