The Bullet of Knowing God: What Kind of God? (Part 1)
Come, Let Us Play God is the title of a book that intrigued me. The author (Leroy Augenstein) investigates and comments on the various ways that men and women assume for themselves the prerogatives that belong only to God. Two questions come to mind as we deal with this idea. First, how does one play like God, and secondly, what is one’s idea of the God he’s playing? Let’s take the latter question first.
It would be amusing if it were not so pathetic … the ideas people get about God. Some view God as a celestial Batman eager to swoop down from heaven and clobber “bad guys.” Others view Him as a stuffy “Judge of the Universe” waiting to sternly evaluate all who stand before Him. He sits with arms folded daring anyone to ask Him for anything. Still others indentify God with religion. As religion is usually a “last resort” enterprise, God is viewed as running an “atmospheric flop house” for the drop outs of life. Another view is the Puritan, holier than thou, naughty no-no God. He’s having a dull time in heaven and it “bugs Him” when folks have fun (sin) on earth! One must include the “Know it all” view. I know what’s best, and I’ll do it my way, regardless! Shape up or move out. A computer God, if you please!
Another false view of God sees Him as the proprietor of hell. He’s invested a lot of money in this piece of real estate and will be terribly disappointed if a lot of folks don’t end up going there! There are many more views but a final one for our purposes would be the Frantic View. God is nervously pacing the floors of heaven wringing His hands in despair over the world condition. This is seeing God as a victim of situations too big to handle.
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