Who Is God?

The last couple of days I've been interchanging on Facebook with someone regarding Christian Universalism. The other person is a confirmed Fundamentalist. I am a Universalist. Naively, I thought that presenting some scripture and asking a few questions would cause my friend to "see the light." As our dialog has unfolded, I have begun to understand in a new way that the differences between our theology are far more complex than whether or not there is a hell to which God will send most of humanity.

The bottom line in the discussion is, Who is God? A further question is, what is the Bible, and what does it really say? The answers to these questions frame our God-view and our world-view.

If we see God as the Father of mankind who loves and corrects and provides for his children, Universalism makes perfect sense. If we see God predominantly as the Judge and Punisher of mankind, hell makes sense.

The Bible is a complex collection of writings from many authors over possibly thousands (?) of years. Understood in context, these writings provide a picture of how others interacted with God over time. Without really knowing what the Bible says and how it evolved over time, we can get lost in literalism and come up with some wacky ideas. It is important to search out truth, no matter where it takes us. God is faithful, He will direct and instruct us as we follow Him. We need to take the Bible seriously and ask serious questions. I have to admit, sometimes it is scary and unsettling to ask difficult questions. I've been shaken a number of times as my settled notions have been unsettled. We also have to be careful not to worship the Bible. Some do, even to the point of imprisoning God within its pages. I've even come to understand that scripture is found in many places. God has not stopped speaking.

When I discovered this wonderful God of Grace and Love, I found the true God. His heart is always reconciliation. He will not rest until all of His children are safely home. Who is God to you?