God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction - A Critical Review

God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what kind of person God is? Is he good or evil? Loving or hateful? Kind or cruel?

God: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction

If you are familiar with the Bible, you may have some idea of how God is portrayed in its pages. But if you are not, or if you are skeptical about its claims, you may have a very different impression of God.

One of the most influential and outspoken critics of religion in general, and Christianity in particular, is Richard Dawkins. He is a famous biologist, author and atheist who has written several books challenging the existence and morality of God.

In his 2006 book The God Delusion, he made a bold statement that has become widely quoted by his supporters and opponents alike. He said:

"The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully."

That's quite a list of accusations! But are they true? Is Dawkins right to describe God in such negative terms?

In this article, we will examine Dawkins' argument and see how it compares with what the Bible actually says about God. We will also see how Christians respond to Dawkins' challenge and present a different picture of God's character.

We will organize our discussion around the main attributes of God that Dawkins criticizes, and see how they can be understood in their biblical and historical context. We will also consider some of the implications and applications of these attributes for our lives today.

Jealous and proud of it

What does the Bible say about God's jealousy?

One of the first attributes that Dawkins mentions is God's jealousy. He implies that God is insecure, possessive and intolerant of any rivals or competitors.

But what does the Bible mean when it says that God is jealous? Does it mean that he is envious of others or that he wants what they have?

Not at all. The biblical word for jealousy has a different connotation than the modern one. It means that God is zealous or passionate for his own name, glory and honor. It means that he cares deeply about his relationship with his people and that he expects them to be faithful and loyal to him.

God's jealousy is rooted in his love and covenant with his people. He chose them out of all the nations to be his special possession, and he gave them his law and his promises. He also warned them not to worship other gods or idols, or to follow the ways of the surrounding cultures.

For example, in Exodus 20:2-6, God says:

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Here we see that God's jealousy is not a selfish or petty emotion, but a righteous and holy one. He is jealous for his own name and reputation, which are at stake in how his people behave. He is jealous for his own worship and glory, which are due to him alone as the Creator and Redeemer of all things. He is jealous for his own love and faithfulness, which he shows to those who love him and keep his commandments.

How does Dawkins interpret God's jealousy as a sign of insecurity and intolerance?

Dawkins, however, does not see God's jealousy as a positive or commendable attribute. He sees it as a sign of insecurity and intolerance.

He argues that if God is truly omnipotent and omniscient, he should not be bothered by what humans do or believe. He should not be threatened by other gods or religions. He should not be angry or jealous when people disobey or ignore him.

Dawkins also claims that God's jealousy leads him to be violent and oppressive towards those who do not worship him or follow his rules. He cites examples from the Old Testament where God commands his people to destroy their enemies, to kill their children, to stone adulterers, to execute apostates, etc.

He concludes that God's jealousy is a projection of human insecurity and intolerance, and that it has caused much harm and suffering in human history.

How do Christians defend God's jealousy as a sign of love and justice?

Christians, on the other hand, defend God's jealousy as a sign of love and justice.

They argue that God's jealousy is not based on insecurity or intolerance, but on his perfection and holiness. He is not threatened by other gods or religions, because he knows that they are false and powerless. He is not angry or jealous when people disobey or ignore him, because he wants what is best for them.

They also claim that God's jealousy does not lead him to be violent and oppressive towards those who do not worship him or follow his rules, but to be gracious and compassionate towards them. They cite examples from the Old Testament where God shows mercy and forgiveness to his enemies, to their children, to repentant sinners, to faithful believers, etc.

They conclude that God's jealousy is a reflection of his love and justice, and that it has brought much good and blessing in human history.

Petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak

What does the Bible say about God's sovereignty and judgment?

The next attribute that Dawkins mentions is God's sovereignty and judgment How does Dawkins accuse God of being arbitrary, cruel and vindictive?

Dawkins, however, does not see God's sovereignty and judgment as positive or commendable attributes. He sees them as signs of pettiness, injustice and unforgiveness.

He argues that if God is truly omnipotent and omniscient, he should not be bothered by human actions or choices. He should not impose his will or laws on them. He should not punish or reward them according to his whims or preferences.

Dawkins also claims that God's sovereignty and judgment lead him to be arbitrary, cruel and vindictive towards humans. He cites examples from the Old Testament where God sends plagues, floods, famines, wars, etc. to afflict his people or their enemies. He also cites examples from the New Testament where God threatens eternal torment in hell for those who do not believe in him or his son.

He concludes that God's sovereignty and judgment are projections of human pettiness, injustice and unforgiveness, and that they have caused much fear and guilt in human psychology.

How do Christians explain God's sovereignty and judgment as expressions of his wisdom and mercy?

Christians, on the other hand, explain God's sovereignty and judgment as expressions of his wisdom and mercy.

They argue that God's sovereignty and judgment are not based on pettiness, injustice or unforgiveness, but on his perfection and holiness. He is not bothered by human actions or choices, because he knows the end from the beginning. He does not impose his will or laws on them, because he gives them free will and moral responsibility. He does not punish or reward them according to his whims or preferences, because he is impartial and righteous.

They also claim that God's sovereignty and judgment do not lead him to be arbitrary, cruel and vindictive towards humans, but to be purposeful, loving and gracious towards them. They cite examples from the Old Testament where God provides deliverance, protection, provision, guidance, etc. for his people or their enemies. They also cite examples from the New Testament where God offers forgiveness, salvation, grace, peace, etc. for those who believe in him or his son.

They conclude that God's sovereignty and judgment are revelations of his wisdom and mercy, and that they have brought much hope and joy in human experience.

Bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser

What does the Bible say about God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations?

Another attribute that Dawkins mentions is God's bloodthirstiness. He implies that God is violent, murderous and genocidal.

But what does the Bible mean when it says that God commanded his people to destroy the Canaanites and other nations? Does it mean that he wanted them to kill every man, woman and child without mercy or reason?

Not exactly. The biblical word for destroy has a different connotation than the modern one. It means to devote or consecrate something to God. It means to remove something from human use or possession. It means to set something apart for a special purpose.

God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations were rooted in his justice and holiness. He judged them for their wickedness and idolatry. He warned them to repent or face the consequences. He gave them ample time and opportunity to change their ways.

For example, in Genesis 15:16, God says:

"In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."

Here we see that God waited for four hundred years before he sent his people to conquer the land of Canaan. He did not act hastily or impulsively. He gave the Canaanites a chance to repent.

How does Dawkins condemn God for ordering genocide and ethnic cleansing?

Dawkins, however, does not see God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations as just or holy. He sees them as genocidal and ethnic cleansing.

He argues that if God is truly omnipotent and omniscient, he should not need to use violence or war to achieve his purposes. He should not resort to killing innocent people or animals. He should not condone or command such atrocities.

Dawkins also claims that God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations lead to moral relativism and extremism. He cites examples from history where people have used the Bible to justify violence and oppression against other groups or races. He also cites examples from the Bible where God's people failed to obey his commands fully or consistently.

He concludes that God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations are immoral and barbaric, and that they have caused much bloodshed and suffering in human history.

How do Christians justify God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations as acts of divine justice and grace?

Christians, on the other hand, justify God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations as acts of divine justice and grace.

They argue that God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations are not based on violence or war, but on his sovereignty and righteousness. He does not need to use violence or war to achieve his purposes, but he chooses to use them as instruments of his judgment. He does not kill innocent people or animals, but he holds them accountable for their sins. He does not condone or command atrocities, but he executes his righteous wrath.

They also claim that God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations do not lead to moral relativism or extremism, but to moral realism and humility. They cite examples from history where people have misused the Bible to justify violence and oppression against other groups or races. They also cite examples from the Bible where God's people acknowledged their failure to obey his commands fully or consistently.

They conclude that God's commands to destroy the Canaanites and other nations are expressions of his justice and grace, and that they have revealed his holiness and love in human history.

Misogynistic, homophobic, racist

What does the Bible say about God's view of women, homosexuals and different races?

Another attribute that Dawkins mentions is God's misogyny, homophobia and racism. He implies that God is sexist, hateful and prejudiced.

But what does the Bible say about God's view of women, homosexuals and different races? Does it say that he discriminates or oppresses them?

No. The Bible says that God created all people in his image and likeness. It says that he loves all people equally and unconditionally. It says that he values all people regardless of their gender, sexuality or ethnicity.

God's view of women, homosexuals and different races is rooted in his creation and redemption. He made them with dignity and purpose. He redeemed them with his blood and Spirit. He called them to be his children and heirs.

For example, in Galatians 3:26-28, Paul says:

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Here we see that God does not distinguish or separate people based on their gender, sexuality or ethnicity. He unites them in Christ Jesus. He makes them one in him.

How does Dawkins criticize God for being sexist, homophobic and racist?

Dawkins, however, does not see God's view of women, homosexuals and different races as dignifying or loving. He sees them as sexist, homophobic and racist.

He argues that if God is truly omnipotent and omniscient, he should not care about human differences or preferences. He should not impose his standards or expectations on them. He should not favor or disfavor them based on their gender, sexuality or ethnicity.

Dawkins also claims that God's view of women, homosexuals and different races leads to inequality and oppression. He cites examples from the Old Testament where God commands his people to treat women as inferior or property, to execute homosexuals as abominations, to enslave or exterminate other races as enemies. He also cites examples from the New Testament where God endorses patriarchy, slavery and exclusivism.

He concludes that God's view of women, homosexuals and different races is unjust and hateful, and that it has caused much discrimination and violence in human society.

How do Christians affirm God's view of women, homosexuals and different races as equal and valuable in his sight?

Christians, on the other hand, affirm God's view of women, homosexuals and different races as equal and valuable in his sight.

They argue that God's view of women, homosexuals and different races is not based on indifference or imposition, but on his design and desire. He does care about human differences and preferences, because he created them with diversity and beauty. He does impose his standards and expectations on them, because he knows what is best for them. He does not favor or disfavor them based on their gender, sexuality or ethnicity, but he loves them with the same love.

They also claim that God's view of women, homosexuals and different races leads to equality and freedom. They cite examples from the Old Testament where God elevates and empowers women as leaders, prophets and judges, where he shows compassion and mercy to homosexuals as sinners, where he blesses and saves other races as allies and friends. They also cite examples from the New Testament where God abolishes patriarchy, slavery and exclusivism in Christ.

They conclude that God's view of women, homosexuals and different races is fair and loving, and that it has brought much harmony and peace in human society.

Infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully

What does the Bible say about God's involvement in human suffering and evil?

The last attribute that Dawkins mentions is God's involvement in human suffering and evil. He implies that God is cruel, malicious and tyrannical.

But what does the Bible say about God's involvement in human suffering and evil? Does it say that he causes or allows them?

Yes and no. The Bible says that God is sovereign over all things, including human suffering and evil. It says that he has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens. It says that he can use suffering and evil for good.

But the Bible also says that God is not the author or source of suffering and evil. It says that he hates and opposes them. It says that he suffers with and for us.

God's involvement in human suffering and evil is rooted in his providence and compassion. He allows them to happen because of human sin and free will. He works through them to accomplish his will and glory. He redeems them by his grace and power.

For example, in Genesis 50:20, Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery:

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Here we see that God did not cause or approve of Joseph's brothers' evil actions, but he allowed them to happen. He also used them for good, to save many lives from famine.

How does Dawkins blame God for causing or allowing atrocities, diseases, disasters and tragedies?

Dawkins, however, does not see God's involvement in human suffering and evil as providential or compassionate. He sees them as infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.

He argues that if God is truly omnipotent and omniscient, he should not allow or use suffering and evil for any reason. He should prevent or eliminate them. He should protect or heal us.

Dawkins also claims that God's involvement in human suffering and evil leads to irrationality and immorality. He cites examples from history where people have attributed atrocities, diseases, disasters and tragedies to God's will or judgment. He also cites examples from the Bible where God commands or performs such acts himself.

He concludes that God's involvement in human suffering and evil is absurd and evil, and that it has caused much despair and misery in human life.

How do Christians reconcile God's involvement in human suffering and evil with his goodness and love?

Christians, on the other hand, reconcile God's involvement in human suffering and evil with his goodness and love.

They argue that God's involvement in human suffering and evil is not absurd or evil, but mysterious and good. He does not allow or use suffering and evil for no reason, but for his own reasons. He does not prevent or eliminate them, but he limits and controls them. He does not protect or heal us from all of them, but he promises to be with us and help us through them.

They also claim that God's involvement in human suffering and evil leads to faith and hope. They cite examples from history where people have seen God's hand and purpose in their suffering and evil. They also cite examples from the Bible where God reveals his character and plan in the midst of such situations.

They conclude that God's involvement in human suffering and evil is compatible and consistent with his goodness and love, and that it has brought much growth and glory in human life.

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