In the Bible, God is a creator. He is a mysterious supernatural force, described as all good and omnipotent. God is a superior force above humans, and humans must obey him or be classified as wrong or as sinners. Many actions and ideas God displays in the Bible could be considered harsh or chauvinistic, and I do agree that some of these actions should be taken that way, but God is mostly interpreted as loving all humans and attempting to use his elects to bring that love to them. Ratzinger claims that, by having a name to call upon, God is purposefully involved with human affairs, “Thus the name signifies and effects the social incorporation, the inclusion in the structure of social relations,” (p. 134). This categorized God as a being who intends to be involved with his creatures, and contributes to the notion that he wants them to succeed and receive love. Because God is all good, his interactions serve to benefit the people who serve him. Ratzinger also brings up the conflicting views of monotheists, polytheists, and atheists. It is difficult to place one specific definition on God, since many people believe many things, and it is impossible to say if one is right or wrong. I think that God can be whoever the people want him to be, as long as that is wholly good and brings them comfort instead of distress. In Exodus, God responds to the cries for help from the Israelites, as they are being oppressed by the new Pharaoh. However, it is difficult for me to define this God as all good, because he attacks the Egyptians, who, apart from Pharaoh, seem to have done little wrong. It appears discriminatory and similar to a genocide for little reason.
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Macy's Theology Blog 
I think it’s interesting that you describe God as all-good, but then point out how in Exodus, this definition isn’t exactly correct. I agree that, for spirituality purposes, God should be defined as all-good, but I do see your point about the Egyptians. Are their other instances in what we’ve read so far that maybe suggest God isn’t always “all-good”? And furthermore, do you think there’s a difference between the God in the Bible (specifically the Old Testament) and how we view/ define God today?
LikeLike
I thought it was interesting how you pointed out the Egyptians’ general lack-of-role in any wrongdoing, and that they are punished despite this. What do you think about God’s role in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart so that he and his people may come to know God’s goodness?
LikeLike
I think it was interesting how you introduced God by saying he can be harsh and chauvinistic, but then you God is all good. I understand what you are saying, but throughout the Bible, God does bring much distress to people, though he is doing it for their good. I think you bring up many conflicting views. Do you think this contributes to the definition of God? Because people often contain conflicting views overall about God.
LikeLike
I like how you mentioned that God is purposefully involved in human affairs simply because He has a name to be called upon. I think it’s also an important point that you made about God punishing the Egyptians in Exodus. Do you think God unfairly favors the Israelites, and more generally, favors specific types of people?
LikeLike
You made a great point how God is made out to be a god of human affairs. I respect your opinion on the three different styles of faith, but do you think atheists can be considered holy if they deny the existence of God? Does a god exist, and it is morally bad to not believe in it?
LikeLike