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Mark Galli, in the introduction to his book, writes,
The Bible is a book full of mystery and wonder. If we find we have created a doctrine of God that makes perfect sense to us, then we’re probably no longer talking about the God of the Bible. We are finite and sinful he is infinite and holy.
I tend to agreed with him, but I am cautious. First, I assume me means that we shouldn’t hold to our doctrines so tightly as to exclude the possibility of being wrong and not the idea that if a doctrine makes sense, then it is wrong… or to the negative, if a doctrine doesn’t make sense, then it is correct.
Joel Landon Watts is a Masters of Theological Studies student with a focus in Mimetic Criticism of the Gospel of Mark. His interests include exploring the role of mimesis in human civilization, specifically in the study of religion and media, as well as science fiction and the way in which it has allowed mythology to be explored in light of scientific ideals of the past century. Currently, he is a TA for Old Testament at United Theological Seminary under Dr. Vivian Johnson, Associate Professor of Old Testament. His first book, Rhetorical Strategies of the Evangelist: Mimetic Criticism of the Gospel of Mark, is expected to be published by Wipf and Stock early next year. He is currently co-editing a book on moving from Fear to Faith (Energion, 2013).
‘pends on what you mean by ‘making sense’
God is the one who makes perfect sense in us. Walk in completeness is a theme in the psalms – but it is a walk not a description
Since God is infinite, and we are finite, we will obviously never understand the nature of God. That does not mean we should not try, we just should not put God inside a box.
Would that include questioning?
Good question on a very gray area. Where does questioning God move from seeking understanding to not trusting God? I am going to side step the question by quoting Psalm 13.
I could quote Genesis and Job. I think that questing must be allowed and encouraged, even if it is not about Trusting God.
I agree completely with you on questioning being allowed and encouraged. However, I am not sure if I agree with you to the extent. I may be confused, is your last line saying that encouraging people to question God to the extent of not trusting Him is a good thing?
No, what I am saying is that when you get to the point where you do not trust God, then you should question. Far too often, we tell people who doubt to shut-up, instead of listening to their questions and responding to them.
That’s fine. But, it seems a bit self-defeating from the outset. It kind of removes his ability to speak about anything with a great deal of certainty in his book, lest it make too much sense.
Hear, hear Jeremy!
Most arguments for God’s transcendence and infinitude and incomprehensibility do not take God’s relationality seriously.