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Show January 28, 1966 SIGNPOST Page 3 TO a response to the philosophical? critic G0D-WM-TIIE BOMB-CIVIL LIBERTIES -POVERTY 3 Authors Note: This is the last Perspective. It is only fitting that s the following article be published as a final commentary to the Philosophical Critic, the amateur theologians on this campus and ethnocentric institutionalized true believers. The term "God" is in quotation marks to avoid any misunderstandings as to its meaning and attacks that this paper is sacrilege. For the sake of brevity it must be assumed that "God" whatever that means, refers to the Ju-, deo-Christian-Mormon concept. While this assumption must be properly discussed, it is necessary to limit the scope of this article. It is hoped that this limitation is not too restrictive. Some mentalities may be offended but the careful reader may gain some insight. Theological platitudes about the love, kindness and mercy of "God" have been espoused since the concept became a reality. While the ancient Hebrews were inculcated to fear Jehovah, he was still the one who protected them and led the tribes from Egypt. Christ was purported to be the source of all good and kindness. His kingdom of love and brotherhood were to be established with his coming. For millions of "true believing" Christians and Jews, their "God" was to be the source, the instigator and the protector of his people and their actions. Every reflective product of our Judeo-Christian civilization, has, at one time or another, pondered the question of what "God" is. If the questioner is a member of an institutionalized sect his minister, priest or bishop will counsel him and direct, his search. Biblical statements on the nature of "God" and his role to the universe will be quoted. "God" is the supreme being, the ultimate reality, the creator, the great I Am. "He" directs the actions of man through fate or preordination --foreordination; or according to Dlest, "He" started the world and left the rest to man. Many members and institutions of our civilization teach that "God" is a personal "God". He cares about his children; he can tell when a young bird falls from his nest or when a child is very bad. In the case of the ancient Jewish nation, "He" forewarned his subjects of droughts and famines. "God" led his people from the chains of captivity. "He" healed A Beautiful Portrait A Most Intimate And Very Precious Gift pW 2506 WASHINGTON BLVD. Phone 394-6214 their sick, taught their well, and killed their wicked. To the devout Christian, "God" is love. "He that loveth his fellow man, loveth me" was the declaration of Jesus theNazarene. If the true teachings of this great spiritual leader were followed, there would be no hate, no fear nor war. Needless to say, Christ's followers have not been as valiant as "He" might have hoped. The God-Love concept is of special Importance when viewing the world in which we live. This concept brings "God" into a better perspective than the impersonal or even aloof anthropormorphic concept of many true believers. Regardless of the form a "God" may take, its value is useless unless it Is a functionary for an ethical principle or guide to happiness. In the same sense, a religious institution is of no value if it does not take an active part in civic and social affairs and reforms. A belief in "God" is of value only if it enhances one's life. A "God" that is not concerned or capable is nothing but a personification of dogma (in the normal traditional context). If "God" is concerned, if "He" has intervened into the affairs of man and if "He" loves, why are we faced with so many major titanic problems? It would appear that this is a valid question which should deserve a rational response. The old trite answer that "God" is testing man is of little value. If we look for guidance from a supreme power, and if "He" responds (Whatever the question) with, "It's just a test", what value is a "God" concept. If you pray for something, and then go out and make it a reality, what use is the prayer? A revival preacher once tcl.2 me the story ... "Brothers and sisters, I was preaching the World of God, calling the people to repentance". The minister continued, "When a large man of questionable means rose and challenged me." "Minister, I don't want a Christ to save me when I die," the drunk shouted, "I want one to help me now". This challenge is one which all concerned theologians should contemplate."God" has not been able to save us from ourselves, let alone "Satan". In the 5,560 years of recorded human history there have Give Your been 14,531 wars, or . . . 2.6135 a year. Of the 185 generations of recorded history only ten have known unsullied peace, according to a Time Magazine Essay. Many of these wars have been wars to further "God's" work. In most cases "God" was on one country's side. In a surprising number of cases, however, "God" was believed to be on both sides. This would appear a little difficult even for "God". The standard reply to this inquiry would be "There are just wars, you know." Or, "It's just human nature to kill." While these replies may be adequate for some, they are not helping many to find a vivable solution. If "God" cares, if he has the power, if he is on our side, it would appear only rational that he would stop the next war. The trite but true statement that mankind now has the power to destroy itself is of concern to many citizens. Where was "God" on August 6, 1945 when Hiroshima was bombed? If "God" cares, why did he let thousands die in a matter if minutes? Or was he testing them? Or was he punishing them for the sins of their fathers? These are questions which must be answered if a "God" is not to have failed in caring, loving and helping his earthly sons and daughters. Hate and racial prejudice are now facts of life to whites and colored people throughout this nation. The problem has reached such a magnitude that innocent lives have been suffocated. Four defenseless children were brutally murdered while seeking refuge in a shrine, a sanctuary of the "Christian God". Where was "God" on this day? If he protected the children of Israel, why didn't he help the Negroes in the South? Does "God" only care about some of his children? Has "God" failed again? A rational for poverty is found in Christ's statement, "The poor will always be with you." While this reply is valid, it must be remembered that while there will always be a top and bottom in- UTAH NOODL PARLOR "The Ultimate in Fine Food" Featuring our new, beautiful dining room For Information or Reservations, Phone 394-6002 Restaurant Hours 5 p.m. to I a.m. Closed Tuesdays 2430 Grant Avenue come family, the poor do not have to be destitute. In the United States, the wealthiest nation in the world, there are over "Thirty five million poor, there are eleven million children jn this group. Millions die from disease, impure water and lack of food. Where is the "God that cares" when a young child is born with a birth defect? Where is he when a mother faints and dies from starvation? Has "God" failed here? If "God" cared about the Hebrew nations, Christ stumbling on a stone, a bird falling from its nest and a bad child, why doesn't he do something about the challenges that face us today? If the "founding fathers" were inspired to write the Constitution, why didn't he help James Meridith enter the University of Mississippi? The response to these questions vary considerably. The orthodox fundamentalist would challenge the question by stating that it is irreverent and heritical. The reflective theologian might answer the argument by using one of the following appeals. In the past "God" cared about his children, he helped and nurtured them in times of trouble. Now, regrettably, the doors of heaven are closed. "God" just stopped helping man because of the unrighteousness of previous generations. In another sense, it might be argued that "God" just does not care anymore. The nonanthropomorphic believer might argue that "God" is not in the form of a man, that his powers are only natural. Past stories of his intervention are' mythological in nature. God has never helped, he will neveT help because he does not have the power to help. A third alternative to the quest for understanding the present "God-Man" relationship might in- DIAMOND SONNET O fey toy V7. London elude, "God" is a supreme being, he has many things to do. He has spirits to watch, wings to polish and babies to dispatch, as one author has stated. At. the present time the theological world is divided on matters of theological argumentation. The age old question of "How many angels can live on the head of a pin?" is the topic of concern. Many true believers are so concerned about such questions that the topics change. "Does God have a wife?" and "Is there a spirit that sits on God's left hand as well as his right?" take much time. Why not ask "What can I do to help my fellow man?" We have rituals to worship "God." We have ceremonial clothing and totems to show respect. The only problem is that most people do not transfer their beliefs to life. Instead of saying that "God" wants us to kill or discriminate, why not argue that "the God of Love" hasn't given man the power to judge ... as of yet. These questions should be of vital concern to all religious believers and atheists alike. Perhaps we should not only attribute the qualities of "Good", "Mercy" and "Love" to "God" but maybe we should try to attribute and build these qualities in man. Perhaps it is not "God" that has failed in bringing Peace, solving the problem and desolation of the bomb, nurturing civil liberties and helping solve the prostitution of poverty, MAYBE IT'S MAN!! N G S FROM 100 (0 ests , Registered Jewelef American lem Society In Ogden 2429 Wash. Blvd. Phone 394-6351 |