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Some time ago the question “What made you lose faith in the Bible?” was asked. The following is one response to that question.
“Ironically, reading the bible made me lose faith in the bible and its god.
As a boy, I had been told by my parents, relatives, pastors and churches that god was good. And not only good, but perfect.
But I read the bible from cover to cover, and it was completely obvious that the biblical god was evil, a mass-murderer of children, toddlers, infants, babies and their mothers.
The biblical god was grotesquely, sickeningly evil.
As I read the bible from cover to cover, I lost faith in the bible and its malevolent, abhorrent, baby-killing god.
Why believe in an evil god?”
My Response
Here is my response to this comment posted to Quora today.
It's understandable that you've grappled with difficult passages in the Bible and experienced a crisis of faith. Many people struggle with the depictions of God's actions in the Old Testament, particularly those involving violence and seemingly indiscriminate destruction. It's important to acknowledge these challenges and approach them with humility and a willingness to understand the complexities of the text.
1. Acknowledging the Difficulty
The Bible itself doesn't shy away from the tough questions. The prophets, for example, often wrestled with God's justice and mercy. Even figures like Job questioned God's dealings with humanity. It's okay to struggle, to doubt, and to ask challenging questions. Your experience is not unique.
2. The Nature of God and Human Understanding
The Bible emphasizes the vast difference between God's understanding and ours. Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite God. What appears to us unjust or cruel might have a larger, unseen purpose. This doesn't mean we should blindly accept everything, but it encourages us to approach these passages with humility, recognizing the limits of our perspective.
3. The Context of the Old Testament
The Old Testament describes God's interaction with a specific people at a specific time. It's crucial to understand the historical and cultural context of these events. Many of the seemingly harsh actions were related to the unique circumstances of ancient Israel and their relationship with neighboring nations. These nations often practiced horrific things themselves, and God's actions, while sometimes appearing severe, were often related to judgment against such pervasive evil. This does not excuse everything, but it gives a framework for understanding that our modern sensibilities may not always align with the ancient world.
4. The Progressive Revelation of God
Christian theology emphasizes the progressive revelation of God throughout Scripture. While the Old Testament reveals God's justice and holiness, the New Testament emphasizes His love and mercy through Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said, "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also". The full picture of God is revealed in Jesus, who embodies perfect love and compassion. This doesn't invalidate the Old Testament, but it provides a lens through which to understand it. We see God's character more fully in Jesus.
5. The Importance of Interpretation
Biblical interpretation is a complex field. There are different genres of literature in the Bible (history, poetry, law, prophecy, etc.), and each requires its own interpretive approach. Sometimes, the language used is symbolic or metaphorical. It's important to consult with trusted theologians and scholars to gain a deeper understanding of these challenging passages. Misinterpretations can lead to distorted views of God.
6. Focusing on Jesus
When struggling with the Old Testament, it can be helpful to refocus on the person and teachings of Jesus. He is the clearest revelation of God's character. His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's love for humanity. By focusing on Jesus, we can gain a more balanced and complete understanding of God.
7. Seeking God in Prayer and Community
Finally, don't isolate yourself. Talk to trusted Christian friends, pastors, or counselors. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you. God desires a relationship with you, and He will meet you where you are.
It's important to remember that faith is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to have doubts and questions. God is big enough to handle our struggles. Continue to seek Him, and He will be found.
Some time ago the question “What made you lose faith in the Bible?” was asked. The following is one response to that question.
“Ironically, reading the bible made me lose faith in the bible and its god.
As a boy, I had been told by my parents, relatives, pastors and churches that god was good. And not only good, but perfect.
But I read the bible from cover to cover, and it was completely obvious that the biblical god was evil, a mass-murderer of children, toddlers, infants, babies and their mothers.
The biblical god was grotesquely, sickeningly evil.
As I read the bible from cover to cover, I lost faith in the bible and its malevolent, abhorrent, baby-killing god.
Why believe in an evil god?”
My Response
Here is my response to this comment posted to Quora today.
It's understandable that you've grappled with difficult passages in the Bible and experienced a crisis of faith. Many people struggle with the depictions of God's actions in the Old Testament, particularly those involving violence and seemingly indiscriminate destruction. It's important to acknowledge these challenges and approach them with humility and a willingness to understand the complexities of the text.
1. Acknowledging the Difficulty
The Bible itself doesn't shy away from the tough questions. The prophets, for example, often wrestled with God's justice and mercy. Even figures like Job questioned God's dealings with humanity. It's okay to struggle, to doubt, and to ask challenging questions. Your experience is not unique.
2. The Nature of God and Human Understanding
The Bible emphasizes the vast difference between God's understanding and ours. Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite God. What appears to us unjust or cruel might have a larger, unseen purpose. This doesn't mean we should blindly accept everything, but it encourages us to approach these passages with humility, recognizing the limits of our perspective.
3. The Context of the Old Testament
The Old Testament describes God's interaction with a specific people at a specific time. It's crucial to understand the historical and cultural context of these events. Many of the seemingly harsh actions were related to the unique circumstances of ancient Israel and their relationship with neighboring nations. These nations often practiced horrific things themselves, and God's actions, while sometimes appearing severe, were often related to judgment against such pervasive evil. This does not excuse everything, but it gives a framework for understanding that our modern sensibilities may not always align with the ancient world.
4. The Progressive Revelation of God
Christian theology emphasizes the progressive revelation of God throughout Scripture. While the Old Testament reveals God's justice and holiness, the New Testament emphasizes His love and mercy through Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said, "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also". The full picture of God is revealed in Jesus, who embodies perfect love and compassion. This doesn't invalidate the Old Testament, but it provides a lens through which to understand it. We see God's character more fully in Jesus.
5. The Importance of Interpretation
Biblical interpretation is a complex field. There are different genres of literature in the Bible (history, poetry, law, prophecy, etc.), and each requires its own interpretive approach. Sometimes, the language used is symbolic or metaphorical. It's important to consult with trusted theologians and scholars to gain a deeper understanding of these challenging passages. Misinterpretations can lead to distorted views of God.
6. Focusing on Jesus
When struggling with the Old Testament, it can be helpful to refocus on the person and teachings of Jesus. He is the clearest revelation of God's character. His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's love for humanity. By focusing on Jesus, we can gain a more balanced and complete understanding of God.
7. Seeking God in Prayer and Community
Finally, don't isolate yourself. Talk to trusted Christian friends, pastors, or counselors. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you. God desires a relationship with you, and He will meet you where you are.
It's important to remember that faith is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to have doubts and questions. God is big enough to handle our struggles. Continue to seek Him, and He will be found.
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