Throughout the bible from Genesis to Revelation there is indication of an evil adversary. The writer of Genesis begins this concept with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The New Testament writers appeared to have a strange relationship with this adversary too. It is called Satan and/or Lucifer in this part of
God's Word. In both books the adversary is mentioned as if there were a need to prove that there was an evil force. As if this evil needed to be separated and singularly distinguished. Set a part from 'something'.
If you are a bible reading connoisseur who reads the bible without religious emotionalism you may have understood by now what the writers of the New Testament were trying to do with their efforts.
It is apparent the God of the Hebrew Bible was not a pacify-giving disciplinarian. This God's approach toward mistake was not one of teachable moments. Well, there was instruction in His action. That instruction is what I preferred as a child; and is what I favor as a parent: stern and unflinching resolve.
The God of the Hebrew Bible did not negotiate. He set a standard (fear) - and expected everyone to live by and with fear. He did not waiver in is reactions, or in His delivery. It was always with force. A force we may describe as brutal - but at least He was consistent. No one got away with disrespecting His final Word. Not even His representatives!
Moses was punished…Numbers 20:2-13.
Some of us who actually spend time studying the bible without a faith lens understand that the Hebrew Bible God was not nice in all situations that required Him to remind individuals of His power. His reactions - in most cases - were...I will say it:
Evil. Just down right baneful. Think, really think, about the Hebrew Bible God's punishments. Now think about the presentation of punishment in the New Testament. The wrath of punishment is not that severe in comparison to Exodus 11:5. What is the psychological disposition of the God that sanctions murder? These sanctions and directives were sadistic and have a serial killer mentality. How do we describe serial killers: demented, devilish, evil?
If there is Human Evil, who did humans learn evil from? The God of the Hebrew Bible or from the Fallen Angel that the writers of the New Testament did everything possible to highlight to New Testament readers?
I know one thing for certain. While dissecting the Hebrew Bible I was convinced God was not nice. I was convinced that His actions resembled what many of us refer to as wicked.
In my non-literal interpretation of both versions (Old and New Testament) I concluded that God possesses several human characteristics. His character is displayed in His jealousy, vindictiveness, manipulation, and uncontrollable anger.
No wonder the synoptic story of Jesus was assertively intertwined. It is told three times in the New Testament! Why? The writers had to
tie together (Greek translation: syn, meaning "together") grace, benevolence, understanding, and forgiveness into the text. They believed it was necessary to show another side of God via Christ's compassion.
'Umm...if Christ is so loving His father has to be too.'
So, a cunning re-creation of God has been in the works for centuries. It began with the New Testament. What is so surprising to me is the amount of reverence man/woman has to God (me included). Perplexing - but it all makes sense when one THINKS. Man/woman can personally relate to the evil issued and ordered by the Hebrew Bible God and the love God's son displayed. This may be the reason so many Christians refer to Jesus as God. They want their God to be like the Son of Man.
Wouldn’t you rather face Jesus?
Humans have proven to take after their father. Remarkably nefarious one day and astonishingly amorous the next.
Bipolar Disorder at its BEST!
Written by the Preacher you will not hear during America’s most segregated hour, 11:00AM Sunday Morning.
