Father has no limits

The Rev. Kent Winters-Hazelton, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway:

In my office, I have a pottery jar with a label that reads, “Divine Absurdities.” In it I place examples from life and faith that don’t always make sense to my rational way of thinking. There are countless unknowns, mysteries, and, yes, absurdities which are part of the journey of faith in life. One such mystery is that of a loving and powerful God who at times chooses not to exercise power. It is fair to ask: If such a God exists, why are there natural disasters that result in devastating loss of life or human atrocities that confront us with the face of evil?

In a classic Western understanding of God as all-powerful, all-knowing and ever-present, it would appear that there are no limits to what God can do. And yet we recognize that God did not stop the tsunami in Thailand or the genocide in Rwanda. For some, this suggests that there are things that God cannot do. Understandably, this poses a significant challenge to theistic belief in our world today.

The Christian tradition has wrestled with this question by stating that God chooses not to interfere in the natural order of the world, which includes the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic forces of wind, water and fire. At the same time, God allows humankind freedom which at times has lead to tyranny, oppression and sorrow. At the heart of the Christian narrative is a God who allows the tortured execution of Jesus of Nazareth. Could an active, living God have prevented this? Yes. Did such a God do so? No.

In the final analysis, the answer remains beyond our full comprehension.

— Send e-mail to Kent Winters-Hazelton at fpcpastor@sunflower.com

Lord is sovereign

The Rev. Barry Watts, associate pastor, Lawrence Heights Christian Church, 2321 Peterson Road:

Arguments can be made on both sides by Christians and nonbelievers alike. Similar to the Clinton quandary of what the definition of “is” is, it comes down to a semantic discussion of the meanings of English phrases: “cannot,” “will not,” “does not.” Understanding these semantics, I know this:

God cannot lie, because God is truth (Titus 1:2). God cannot sin, because he is holy (1 Peter 1:16). God cannot do anything that would contradict his nature and character. God is an unchanging God, so he cannot change (Hebrews 6:17).

According to my understanding of the Bible, God cannot, will not or does not do these things. However, I humbly hesitate to state that a sovereign, all-powerful and omnipotent God does not have the ABILITY to do anything. Only God can limit God. Can God create a rock heavier than he can lift? An interesting academic exercise to discuss, but I would encourage people not to become overwhelmed by this theological discussion and allow it to weaken their faith.

God is sovereign. His plan is perfect. Our perspective in his larger plan is a very small needle in a very large haystack. Although we cannot fully understand God and his sovereign will, he has given us all the knowledge and understanding we need to live for and serve him (2 Peter 1:3). We can be sure of this: There is a God; he created the universe; he sent his son, Jesus, to the earth; Jesus died on the cross; Jesus rose from the dead, as witnessed by hundreds. If God can conquer death, is there anything he cannot do? Don’t let today’s Faith Forum, and the philosophical discussions that arise, be a stumbling block for your faith. He is God, and we are not.

— Send e-mail to Barry Watts at barry@lawrence-heights.org.