The Bible offers a whole host of ways to picture God; He is presented as a Warrior, a Shepherd, a loving Husband, a Judge and a King to name but a few. This is a practice that continues to this day and people come up with new ways to view God all the time. Thing is, some of these are a little odd while others are downright disturbing. I'm going to see how many of these strange Godviews I can find to share with the class.
I came across the first one in a recent blog I did on Rob Bell (it's what gave me the idea for this series). I was watching this Aussie pastor giving a critique of one of the NOOMA films and noticed something strange about his God. See if you notice it too.
Is it just me or does he make God seem like an emotionally abusive boyfriend? This God doesn't think you can do anything right! Self confidence? Believing in yourself? Don't make Him laugh! You're stupid and rotten and you can't do anything right no matter how hard you try (He probably thinks you could stand to lose a few kilos too). Honestly He doesn't even know why He bothers with you! You're completely useless and unlovable! You should just be grateful that He's willing to put up with a screwup like you in the first place. Just do Him a favour and stop trying to think for yourself. Since you're too fat and stupid to do anything right you better leave all the thinking to Him and stop seeing those friends who tell you differently!
You've seen guys like this with their belittled and bewildered girlfriends. Does this God seem any different?
Probabilistic Uncertainty
1 day ago
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3 comments:
It is an interesting dilemma. How do we reconcile the fallen nature of man and his need for a Savior when many people are basically "good" and are capable of doing many good things on their own?
It is an interesting dilemma indeed. This is very much the kind of Godview I grew up with, I knew people who would pray for guidance when getting dressed in the morning - true story!
What it comes down to for me is, what do you think God is looking for? Followers in a perpetual state of infancy, forever needing every decision made for them OR disciples who have grown and matured to a point where they can imitate Christ?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
I see fundies in my Christian forums use that verse as an excuse for their need to pester God about every minuscule thing. Some of them are the very definition of that "state of infancy" you refer to. Their posts are written as if by small children. I think it's taking the whole "child of God" thing way too far.
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