Is God cruel, impotent, or worthless?

Saw an interview with Rob Bell on MSNBC on Tuesday night.  The interview was for his new book “Love Wins” (that’s a different blog) but the reporter first asked Rob, “how could a loving God let this happen to Japan?”

I didn’t like Rob’s answer.

The interviewer actually asked three questions:

1. If God knew this was going to happen and didn’t stop it then He is cruel.

2. If God knew this was going to happen and couldn’t stop it then He is impotent.

3. If God didn’t know it was going to happen then He is limited and worthless.

“Which is He?  Cruel, impotent, or worthless?”

Bell obviously didn’t anticipate the question and had a rambling uncomfortable answer that made no sense and eventually shrugged his shoulders and talked about the mystery of God.

I think there is a 4th option, and Bell got it party right.

Maybe the 4th option behind cruel, impotent, and worthless is simply “beyond.”

Think about it.  Even posing the question assumes two things: 1. We somehow deserve an answer, and 2. We would understand the answer assuming He chose to tell us.  It is too far beyond us to comprehend.

Look at my favorite exchange in all of scripture.   In chapters 3-37 in the book of Job, he asks God an endless string of questions…God how, why, when, where, etc.  And in chapters 38-41 God answers Him.  And its not so much of an answer as a dressing down.  Job 38:1 “Then the Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind (just for dramatic effect I suppose) and said:  Who is this that darkens my counsel and speaks empty words without knowledge  Dress up for action like a man and answer Me now if you can.”  My paraphrase is…”Now who are you again?  Put on your jock and see if you can stay in the game with me as I explain it to you.” (Drew Paraphrased Version: DPV)

In Chapter 41 all Job could answer back was “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”   I love that.

So, was God cruel, impotent, or worthless concerning the devastation in Japan? There is nothing wrong with asking why.  We should ask.  We should seek after the truth.  But we should also be willing to embrace that nothing about creation says we deserve an explanation and its entirely possible that we cant even begin to understand the utter complexity of His answer should He share a portion of it with us.

And amen!

Eager To Do Good

by | Nov 12, 2024

Divine Appreciation: Embracing Unseen Acts of GoodasasdadadasThis is a devotional guide to “Eagerness To Do Good” in God’s eyes. It explores the biblical basis, seeks sole recognition from God, endures suffering for righteousness’ sake, and finds hope and identity in...