Is God A Jerk?
Now, don’t get your undies in a bunch. It’s just a question. Partly for shock value, partly to tell you that this is going to be an honest post about questions that most people who are serious about the issue of faith have probably thought about at some point. If you are not one for the open and honest sharing of opinions about deep matters of great consequence, then please, stop reading. For everyone else who chooses to stay, please feel free to discuss. Here we go.
I’m more of a both/and type person as opposed to either/or. Therefore, I am usually somewhat skeptical of philosophical questions/answers that only assume two options. However, at the risk of setting up a false dichotomy, I’m going to make some simple layman’s assumptions.
First, there either is a God, or there is not. (For all you polytheists and/or pantheists out there, you will be left out. I’m sorry. I’m not going to go into a discussion of why the concept of “many gods” isn’t feasible. I just don’t have the attention span right now for what would undoubtedly be a non-short discussion.)
If you don’t believe in God, you also don’t wonder if He’s a jerk.
If you DO believe in God, then He (or She, depending on what you believe. I’m going to refer to Him as “He” throughout this post. If you believe God is a She, then add your own s’s) is either all-powerful or not all-powerful.
If you believe God is not all-powerful, then frankly, your god kind of sucks.
If you believe God IS all-powerful, there are some tough issues that arise. I would venture to say that most people who believe in an all-powerful God also believe that He is good, and that He loves His creation. This leads to the old question: what kind of God would knowingly make people the way He did KNOWING full well that billions of them would go to hell? And spare me the crap about “Oh, but if we didn’t have free will, we’d be like robots…” Yes. And I’d rather be a robot than in hell, especially if I were one of the people in hell. If you were a robot, you’d be happy because you wouldn’t know you were a robot. The only reason being a robot would be bad is because it doesn’t give God His warm fuzzy of “They love Me because they choose to, not because they have to.” (On a side note, this is a moot point if you don’t think that God will send people to hell. But that also would be a long discussion, and since you have me at such a focused time instead of my ADD ramblings, it’s probably better to just continue on with this subject.)
Next, for being an all-powerful, good, loving God, He sure doesn’t seem as eager to help us or get to know us as we seem to be for Him. Yes, there are people who say that the issue of God loving us was proved on Calvary. Ok, well, a one-time event does not a relationship make. You’ve got to talk to people and interact with people to form a relationship. And for me, I mean TALK. I don’t want letters. I don’t want messages from a third party. I want to talk to the person I’m developing a relationship with. If they’re not willing to talk to me in my language to at least tell me what they want, do they really want a relationship with me? It’s kind of like this:
Girlfriend: I don’t know if this relationship is working out.
Boyfriend: Why? What’s wrong?
Girlfriend: We never communicate.
Boyfriend: Sure we do. I sent you a letter just yesterday.
Girlfriend: I didn’t get it.
Boyfriend: I put it right under your porch.
Girlfriend: Why would you put it under my porch?
Boyfriend: That’s where I said I would put it.
Girlfriend: You never said anything about a letter.
Boyfriend: Sure I did. I put a one-dollar bill under your windshield wiper.
Girlfriend: What does that have to do with anything?
Boyfriend: George Washington is on the one-dollar bill. His home was Mount Vernon. Your Grandpa’s name is Vernon, and you like to go fishing with your Grandpa. I put a note in your tacklebox telling you to check under your porch.
Girlfriend: You seem more interested in your attempt to be clever than in actually giving me the message. You could have just called me. I’ll go read the note right now. **She picks up the note** This is in Japanese.
You see what I mean? Sometimes it’s frustrating because God doesn’t just speak plainly. Some people might argue that it’s so we have to show that we really want to get to know God. No pain, no gain. Well, if He’s all-powerful and all knowing, He knows our hearts and whether we really want to know Him. When it comes to something as important as a relationship with God, I don’t want to play games. I don’t like being manipulated. Manipulation breeds distrust and resentment.
There’s also the issue of when God chooses to intervene in the affairs of man, and when He chooses not to. This brings up an interesting question when people say, “I’m so thankful! God healed my brother Timmy of the flu!” So you’re telling me you believe God made your brother Timmy feel good so he can go back to school, but He didn’t intervene save hundreds of thousands of people who were killed (and presumably most sent to hell, per Christian beliefs) in the 2004 tsunami? Sounds kind of funny once it’s put into words, huh? If God isn’t going to intervene to save the lives of 229,866 people, what makes you think He’s going to intervene to make your brother Timmy’s stomach feel better? (Now, please note that I’m not necessarily denying that God made your brother Timmy’s stomach feel better. These are just questions that have crossed my mind.) If God doesn’t intervene in the big things, why do we think He intervenes in the small things?
Now, before you write me off as a heretic, there are some things you should know. These are just honest questions. Don’t worry—I haven’t rejected God, these are questions we analytical/thinking types have to confront if we are to have a coherent view of God. No, I don’t hate God. No, I’m not saying that God is not all-powerful. Yes, I have worked in sarcasm, honesty, and frustration into this post. And yes, I’m glad that Timmy feels better.
If you feel like discussing, please do. I anticipate the possibility of several reactions:
A) The ole’ “I’m not touching this one with a ten foot pole” reaction
B) Close-minded people who like to pretend they never struggle with anything or that pretend that their struggles are nobler than mine will lambaste me for my honesty and perceived disrespect, or
C) People who are understanding, accepting, have been here, or are going through this will chime in and get some good discussion going.
And don’t feel like you have to “fix” people who have these questions. Just have some good discussion, and be prepared…I may play devil’s advocate if I feel especially saucy. I don’t like the easy American Sunday School answers.
David in DC responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 3:20 pm →
“When Bad Things Happen to Good People” was written by Harold Kushner, a Rabbi whose son died young of the horrible illness of progeria, where a person’s body ages decades in a matter of a few years. He wrote it to help himself and others grapple with the idea of a G-d who permits such things to happen.
It’s the same question anyone confronted by the horrors of genocide must ask.
Kushner’s answer is that a G-d who is Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnibenevolent is unthinkable in a world that’s seen Aushwitz, or for a father who’s watched his innocent son die of progeria.
Of the three legs of this triangle, the one he discards is Omnipotence.
I cannot do his thesis justice in a short response to your post, but I find his book persuasive. Once (S)He created the universe, G-d left its fate up to the creatures (S)he created with free will — us.
G-d knows what we can do and is pleased when we do good, but does not interfere.
Look for G-d not in the evil of the oppressors, but in the valor of their defenders. Look for G-d not in a cunning disease like polio, but rather in the mind of the ones like Dr. Salk and Dr. Sabin, who vanquished it.
It works for me.
But I see G-d in the humility and generosity of spirit displayed in Rabbi Kushner’s book, too.
If nine-year-old Monkeyboy in DC ever suffered and died as Rabbi Kushner’s son did, I’m not I could muster his grace and his faith.
Playtah responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 3:33 pm →
David in DC - Great comment. I am going to go buy and read that book. I’m sure it’s especially poignant since he is writing it not just from a philosophical perspective, but also as one who has endured great loss.
David in DC responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 3:40 pm →
I regret not visiting here sooner.
Something about your “The Nuts Are Running the Squirrel House” line seems vaguely familiar to me.
And flattering. Thanks
Playtah responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 3:51 pm →
Thanks, David! I’m very glad you stopped by. And yes, that was your line that inspired the revamping of my site! Thank you for that!
Andy responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 3:56 pm →
I have not read that book, but I have heard of it. (adds to long list of books to read). I love questions like these, it forces one to think and reason. Of course there will be those that fall back on platitudes and think that’s enough.
As I combine quotes and am angry at myself for not remembering who said them “There is enough evidence in the human thumb to convince me of God, and “There is enough evil in man to show me the devil.” If anyone knows where either came from please let me know, it’ll bug me until I figure it out.
Not sure where I was going with this whole thing, forgot the Strattera this morning….but having questioned life the univers and everything before (and too bad the answer isn’t really 42), it is good to know that others question and it’s not just me. as I was treated at some points like doubt and questioning God was evil and wrong and pointless, but if you are religious it becomes the most important factor in your life but we spend very little time meditating on the subject (yes I used the word meditating, it’s in the Bible too, feel free to check).
In closing (before I ramble on), always ask the hard questions, they’re the only ones worth answering.
Playtah responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 4:27 pm →
Andy - I hear ya…I wish Douglas Adams had actually found the meaning of life (42). I’m glad to know there are others out there who like to think about these things!
Rachel responds:
Posted: December 11th, 2006 at 7:20 pm →
Sometimes I get so angry when I struggle and struggle with something and feel that there isn’t anything to show for it in the end and I find myself wondering where God was when I needed him.
But then something really great happens and I find myself thanking God for his gifts that he provides me.
He knows better than I do what I need but sometimes it is very frustrating.
minijonb responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 11:13 am →
For me personally, God = The phyisical laws of the universe.
Therefore, God really isn’t a Him or Her… it’s a just the world around us. God equals nature.
Nature can be a real jerk sometimes (Global warming, hurricanes, dying dogs and sick loved ones, etc.), so I guess that means God can be a jerk when He/She needs to be.
minijonb responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 11:15 am →
Does God hate typos as much as I do?
“phyisical” should be “physical”
deb responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 1:01 pm →
I loved the comical sarcasm throughout your post..like the robots thing…that was good. Made me laugh.
I’m comfortable with questions. I’ve been asking them all my life…even to God and about God. Asking questions is often how we find out more about someone or someONE and even ourselves.
I’m at a place in my life right now where I don’t HAVE to have all the answers in order to be happy, move forward or feel alright. I’m glad that I don’t have to understand everything because, frankly, it used to be that when I wouldn’t understand or have the ability to make something make sense then that used to make me feel nuts. I don’t like feeling nuts.
I also recognize that just because I ask doesn’t mean I’m entitled to all the answers.
So, I’m content with knowing what I know, asking questions and not having expectations that I’m going to get the lowdown on everything just because I ask and being ok with God being God and me not being God.
I suppose things could change and I’ll want to be God again next week, but until then, I know I couldn’t do a better job then He’s doing so I’ll leave it to Him.
Andrea responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 2:11 pm →
I went through a time last year where I definitely asked God a lot of questions and even questioned Him. Tim and I have a lot of philosophical/theological friends who try to constantly analyze everything about God and the Christian life. I found myself getting caught up in their moments. I then realized I was becoming more depressed and angry with everything around me. Then I thought of the whole “faith like a child” thing and went back to that. I think it’s healthy to question at times, but at the same time, who am I to question God and what He does? I have found more joy in just knowing that God is who He says He is, He can do what He says He can do, and therefore, I’m believing God. (thank you Beth Moore, for helping with that.) Feel free to question, but realize that He won’t give you all the answers. And maybe He is trying to speak to you, but are you really listening?
Playtah responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 2:46 pm →
Rach - I know the frustrating feeling!
minijonb - Very interesting thought. Do you think God has a consciousness?
Deb - Glad you liked the sarcasm
I can do sarcasm. Especially about the robots. So many people use that illustration, and don’t seem to have thought through the implications.
Andrea - Before I respond to the topic, I just want to let you know that I went to your blog–great pictures! I hope you and Tim are doing well!
Ok, on to the topic.
The “faith like a child” thing is cool, but that doesn’t mean it’s an unintelligent faith. (Not that you were saying that.) Jesus tells us to count the cost. And before anyone counts the cost, (and even after and while they count the cost), some big questions need to be answered. If these are questions you have already come to terms with, great. Before you are able to say “Who am I to question God?”, first you have to know Who you think God is. (Just incase I’m wording it poorly, I’m not saying that God is Whoever you think He is, I’m just saying that you will act based on Who you perceive He is.) Some of the questions you could consider are: Why should I consider dedicating my life to this Being? Do I have any obligations to this Being? (For example, did He create me?) Is He good or bad? Is there punishment/reward involved? Does He do what He says He will? Does He have my best interest in mind?
I don’t have to know all the minute details. Heck, I don’t think I WANT to know all the minute details. But I’ve had enough learning/experience so far in my life to see that for me, there are some perceived inconsistencies with some of those basic, foundational questions such as who I think God is compared to what actually happens in the world. Does this mean that God is bad? Of course not. The biggest struggle is to find out what is really true, and what I’ve learned about Him that may not be true. For example, if Joe tells John that I can grant wishes, John is going to be mad if I don’t grant his wish. But I never said I could grant wishes. That was bad information from Joe. (Note that I’m not saying everything we learn is wrong, I’m just saying that especially in America, there are some biases and assumptions that we make based on our culture and expectations that may not be true or completely accurate.) And as to the question of am I really listening? Yes. Which brings up another thought (from a flawed human, granted) that may or may not be totally off, I’m just throwing it out there–an omnipotent Being would know when His creation can’t hear Him. A loving Being would care enough to pursue the person a different way if He sees His creation is not hearing what He wants them to hear, especially if the creation is earnest. (I’m not saying that God isn’t omnipotent or loving.)
Thank you for your thoughts. I think this is a very healthy process. The more you research and become convinced of something, the more deeply you hold on to it. But, like the old example, before you have faith that the chair will hold you, you have to be convinced that there IS a chair.
Thoughts?
Andrea responds:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 8:23 pm →
Deep. I’m glad to hear you are trying to listen for God. Most people don’t take the time to. With the faith like a child, I guess I have just learned to appreciate the simple beauty that God has put in my life. Seeing the world through Noah’s eyes as he grows and explores daily has given me fresh perspective. I have stopped to see the beauty of creation. Noah is fascinated by rain, leaves, lights, trees, the little things that I walk by without thinking. I have heard that we view God based on our relationship with our fathers. For me, God has been basically a Dad to me. I talk to Him as if He were in the room with me (because He is in my opinion) without trying to word everything eloquently. I believe I should dedicate my life to Him because He has given me life and I put Him in the center of mine. I was telling a friend recently about a speaker I heard who said that God told her to adopt these 2 orphans. She interrupted me and said “I find it odd when people say God speaks to them that clearly. Why doesn’t He speak to me like that ever?” I honestly don’t know. I can’t say I have ever heard an audible voice like I can Tim’s reacting to “Dirty Jobs” right now (apparently the host is cleaning zoo cages.) However, I have felt God speak to me in different ways. I have been terrified before over situations and I have felt something slam my body, saying “peace” and then I am calm. I have turned on the radio or opened a book and heard a song or read something that applied so much to my life at that time that I can’t ignore the fact it’s God. I think the biggest things I have struggled with in my questions are: (a)I can’t believe in pre-destination because my dad didn’t become a Christian until less than 2 years ago and I could not believe that God sends people to hell without giving them the opportunity to respond to him and (b)the God of the Old Testament who struck many people down for different things never matches up to the God in the New Testament. Even though I believe it is the same God, He seems so different, you know? And I NEVER take anything a preacher says without holding it up to the BIble. I have been to churches where they twist Scripture, and frankly, the Bible is the word of God, not the preacher. That’s the problem with America - Christians are blindly following what preachers say. That’s dumb. Oh, and I think you would like these videos. Check them out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RtfNdg1fQk
I don’t know if any of this made sense. It’s getting late and I’m exhausted. I can’t answer any of your questions, but I can encourage you to keep searching and asking God for answers. Oh, and thanks for the pictures comment. We are doing well, looking forward to Christmas with my family. Hope you are well also. =)
Playtah responds:
Posted: December 13th, 2006 at 10:33 am →
Andrea - Great thoughts! I like that you are a deep thinker and don’t take things as true just because someone says them.
I can’t even imagine how wonderful it must be to see the world through Noah’s eyes. Children have wonderful ways of seeing things. I’m glad you are perceptive and attentive and able to enjoy watching Noah grow and explore.
Thank you for your comments. I hope you’ll share if you think of anything else! Oh, and are you traveling for Christmas, or is your family nearby?