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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 644
Elite Member
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How is this a question that tests integrity? It is a test to see if he understands what he claims to. Ah! Then it wasn't a test of his integrity (whether he is lying or not) but rather a test of the integrity (solidity) of his understanding. Of course, you are using your opinion of what the Bible means as the yardstick for this test. I don't know why He was portrayed as angry. He was angry to demonstrate our imperfections. Paul said that these things happened for our instruction (paraphrase). This demonstration was used to further demonstrate the great work of mercy that He would have on us. The old testament was performed (including God's anger) to demonstrate the effect of the law, which was used to show us that we are flawed (rebellious). Once we realize that we have a problem, God provides the perfect Solution. So God only pretended to be angry? Perhaps His actions were interpreted as the actions of an angry being? No, I believe He means exactly what He says. He was, indeed, angry. He allowed Himself to experience these emotions for our benefit. So God can make Himself angry whenever He wants? Just like the misinterpretation that death is evil. The Bible portrays spiritual death as something to be avoided, but physical death as something to experience in purity and honor. The Bible never says that either spiritual or physical death is evil. Since God knows everything both past and future, how can He be angry at the actions of mere humans for doing what He knew they were going to do? Wouldn't that make Him angry all the time since He knows off all our disobediences already? No. God's anger towards us is for our correction. It is an instrument of communication that we are capable of understanding in our rebellious immaturity. Just as if you had a child who did something harmful (rebellious) to himself/herself after you told them not to, you would allow yourself to experience anger so the child would fear and stop doing it because you don't want them to harm themselves. Then in emulation of our heavenly father it is good for a father to show anger towards his rebellious child when administering punishment. Thanks, now I don't feel guilty about those times when my anger was directed to my children. However, now I feel ashamed that I didn't show my anger every time I punished them. When the child becomes mature and is no longer rebellious (hopefully), there is no need for anger. When they are mature, their motivation (to do harm that was buffered by fear invoked by your anger) turns to love, at which point there is no longer a need for anger and your parent/child relationship becomes a friend/friend relationship. Of course! Because if you vent your anger at your young children every time they are rebellious (don't obey you) then the natural thing for them to do is to grow to love you. Of course...of course. They will love you because they are so grateful that you didn't kill them in your anger.
A faith that connot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets. -- Arthur C. Clarke
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