Belief in a distant God creates in the believer a feeling of powerlessness and oppression. Simultaneously, it creates a feeling of resentment. “Why,” we ask, “didn’t God do something about the Holocaust? Or poverty? Or the violence in inner cities?” If these things are blamed on God, we’re off the hook. We do not need ask “What can we do?”
The past couple of weeks I have been pondering what I could say to someone who blames God for everything bad that occurred in their life. And the answer . . . nothing. They don’t really give a shit what I think. Their version of God, is asleep, is dead. He has forgotten about us. And if I point out that he’s just around the corner, I think they just might throw a pillow at me.
A distant God, however aliening, is a convenient God. How much more troublesome and demanding is the notion that God is eminent, available to us all times and all circumstances, always ready to fuel and guide our endeavors no matter how small or large. There is no evading responsibility with a God so close, so personal, and so available. In every circumstance, at every turn, such a God may be called upon for insight, inspiration, and right action. Is it any wonder we prefer the idea of a distant God that must be cajoled and flattered?
It’s strange. Everyone I meet has in one point in their life if not most of their life doubted there is a god. I might get lost sometimes. I might feel disconnected with life. But I always feel a connection to the God no matter how dim the lights get.
Do I challenge the church? Yes.
Do I challenge what we have done in the name of God? Yes.
Do I challenge the image we are given of God? Yes.
Do I believe all traditions are worthless? No.
I don’t believe in throwing away the blueprints of the past. We can study them. We can learn from them. We can build stronger foundations. Think back for a moment . . . what were some of the most powerful moments in your life? What was happening around you? Who was there with you? What did they say? What did it feel like?
