The more I read in the Old Testament, the more sick I get. I just don't understand how this is the God that I've come to know. He hardens Pharoh's heart when Moses tells him to let his people go. How is he held accountable for actions that it seems God forced upon him? "But I will make Pharoh's heart stubborn so I can multiply miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt" Ex 7:3. Mother's first born boys were slaughtered for this. It wasn't Pharoh's fault, it was God's and all for "showing off" his power to Israel. I have a hard time understanding that. That was a couple weeks ago's reading.
Then last week I was reading in Ex 23 about God's directions to Moses. He says they're to invade the land of the Amorite, Hittites, Perizzites, Cannanites, Hivites, and Jebusites to live there. God tells Moses to "utterly destroy them." Again, this sickens me. God created all people, right? So why would he favor only one nation of people (who, by the way, rebel against him over and over) and allow them to destroy all the other nations of people. Are not all people God's creation? I don't understand. Is the Old Testament really inspired of God? Or is it written by power hungry, land hungry, pride seeking men?
Maybe this was designed to create doubt & fear of the unknown so that it can be debunked later. New Testament? I'm speaking off he cuff here.
ReplyDeleteSomeone I know said that the God of the Old Testament seemed like the devil. What do you think about that, considering that you know a lot about the Bible?
HA! Good to see some anger, or at least frustration, about such things. These ideas, both Old and New Testament, have been fundamental in the justification of atrocious acts by Jews and Christians. Any particular group feeling like they are "in the right" can find all the justification they need to go conquer, convert, and kill. For God's kingdom, right...
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