March 2021
Nougat 17
A recent BBC article presented arguments concerning Science finally proving God’s existence. Ultimately, it was inconclusive as Science is outcome-driven and ‘proof’ of God’s existence is a matter of faith. A bit incongruent one might say. Yet there are Scientists who believe wholeheartedly in God’s existence. I would argue that because belief is personal; we each must draw our own conclusions. In today’s Holy Nougat
“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” Ephesians 4:5-6 NLT
Isn’t it ironic that every single aspect of this proclamation has been the subject of numerous debates in our time? And that the crises that propel many in search of God are the very same crises that repel others.
We question God’s legitimacy, partly because and more often when Life does not work the way we desired – sicknesses, famines, natural and human-influenced disasters, injustice of every kind – and God seems distant and unmoved by the world’s suffering. But is God truly distant and unmoved? Or is it that for God to be God (Creative Force that insists on giving humanity autonomy), God cannot take the power of free will from us? If yes; then God’s intervention is somewhat dependent upon our invitation to shift the tide of events around us. And this still demands what could be considered the prioritization of responses in relation to the impact of each on all humanity. Do we insist on our needs (more often wants) being met, at the expense of … ? For God to be God, God must both afford us autonomy, while remaining sovereign to keep life, history and humanity on course with the greater plan.
One could argue that that is one facet and level of God’s god-ness. For God has also always been relational. God seeks to be in relationship with us; and the Jewish testament offers us several examples. In fact, many of the names used for God are descriptors of the same.
By naming God as Father (and I am conscious that some persons are challenged by their human experiences of fatherhood), the invitation is to understand God’s god-ness in a very personal way. Yet it also asks that we accept God’s sovereignty and authority. And the context of the time, the highest level of personal, relational authority was one’s father. The ‘fatherlinesss’ of God encapsulates (captures and packages) most of the attributes offered in the Jewish testament. The others have feminine connotations (e.g. many breasted One, or a mother caring for her chicks).
Should we seek to find an earthly father with ALL those qualities – we are likely to be greatly challenged. Hence, we may conclude that there is one God and Father Who has all of the above: existentially and relationally. Arguing with others – even others in the faith – about God’s god-ness may prove futile; for, as the BBC journalist concluded – it is a matter of Faith.
I believe; how about you?
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May all we seek be found in Christ