Is it wise to reject the Christian worldview on the grounds that one doesn’t believe God would be as severe and punishing as the Bible portrays?
Or should one accept that God causes terrible suffering and embrace the Christian worldview, even though it could make it difficult to love God genuinely knowing how severe He is to those who reject Jesus?
There’s no doubt in my mind that God causes cancer and other diseases, wars, depression, etc. Therefore I cannot find a logical argument for believing God would not cause horrendous suffering to those who reject Jesus, even though it is He who decides who is of the elect, and who is not.
In light of these considerations, it seems like the logical thing to do is accept Christianity and follow Jesus, even though it makes life much more difficult, and causes me deep distress accepting the severity of God’s character, if my understanding about this is correct.
I’m worried about becoming a cold and bitter person. But I have to go with the Truth, wherever it leads, even if it makes life harder, and causes me distress. I may be able to find some comfort in Jesus, although I don’t know whether or not I can ever be a truly happy person if the character of God is as severe as my current understanding suggests He is.
Abraham believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
(Genesis 15:6)
Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
(Romans 11:22)
If you would like to comment, please read this post from earlier this week in its entirety, and respond in the comments below that post. Thank you.
Perfect Chaos 