What we think God is like, affects not only our theology, but our relationship with him and the quality of our life. In the Middle Ages, he was pictured as an old man sitting on a cloud. According to how we interpret the Old Testament, we could see God as being jealous, angry and vengeful. Some picture God setting up the universe, creating the laws of morality and physics, and leaving us alone to face the consequences of our actions. None of us can fully grasp the nature of God, but if we are to have a more accurate view we must look at the life and teachings of Jesus. Continue reading “What is God actually like?”
There is a cost to being opposed to violence. The cross stands out as the ultimate price of non-violence. Jesus allowed men of violence to nail him to that cross and apparently triumph over him. But the resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the ultimate triumph of love over violence.
Love is arguably the strongest force in the universe – but love is a choice. We can choose to love or choose not to love. The possibility of love is built into our nature, but is not automatic. We are not robots, mindlessly obeying instincts. In a universe, ruled by the laws of physics, voluntary love stands out as distinctive. In a creation full of random events, love is not random but is a deliberate choice. That is why I say that love is the strongest force in the cosmos.
What is the difference between knowing the love of God, and feeling loved by him? What is the difference between believing that God is a God who loves us, and really knowing that love?
Compassion and Justice 