“A Companion God”
Category: Uncategorized
One of the theological problems that I think about most is why bad things happen to good people, and where God is in such cases. Rev. Ricky’s post today, titled “Crisis of Faith,” offers his insights into this problem. He writes:
I believe in a companion God, not a supernatural savior God. I sense a God that suffers with us through our painful experiences and who helps us find our own way out of hard times (when a way out is possible), but who does not have the power to contradict the laws of nature in a way that would prevent all suffering.
This is a theological approach that accounts both for the cruelty that can happen in the world, and the existence of a loving God. For me, the phrase “companion God” resonated with my own sense that God wants to know our whole selves, that there is no part of ourselves that God cannot accept and heal. One thing I place where I might diverge from Rev. Ricky is that I see God as not only a “companion,” but also more of a guide and a healer as well, so that God is not only with us but also beyond us.
October 12th, 2007 22:55
I just found your post today. I’m glad my little piece of theology resonated with you. And I don’t think we diverge at all. I also see God as both with as and beyond us (imminent and transcendent in theological terms). God is not a companion who simply watches, but God is the kind of companion that offers advice and assistance. But it is our decision whether we will accept God’s suggestions or choose something else.
October 14th, 2007 17:50
Hi Rev. Ricky,
It’s great to hear from you. Thank you for elaborating on the similarities in how we see God as both companion and guide.