PDF Summary:God, by Dan Barker

In God, author Dan Barker critically examines the Old Testament's portrayal of the divine being. Through a meticulous analysis of biblical passages, Barker contends that the God depicted is cruel, vindictive, and capricious—sanctioning violence, discrimination, and unethical practices while lacking genuine mercy or consistency.

The book explores the Old Testament God's troubling traits, including genocidal acts, sexist treatment of women, punishments extending to innocent descendants, and the explicit admission of creating evil. Barker argues that the New Testament's Jesus upholds rather than reforms the disturbing aspects of this deity, failing to provide a compassionate vision of God.

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The Hebrew Bible's God vs. the Christian Scriptures' God

Barker rejects the claim that the God of the New Testament is a fundamentally different being than the God depicted in the Old Testament. He argues that Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels, clearly associates himself with the jealous, vengeful, and violent deity of the Hebrew Bible. Instead of offering a new and more compassionate vision of God, Barker contends that Jesus reinforces and even amplifies some of the Hebrew scriptures' most troubling teachings.

Jesus's Claim to Being the God of the Hebrew Bible

Barker maintains that Jesus's identity as the Old Testament's God cannot be disputed within the framework of Christian belief. He points to numerous verses in the Gospels where Jesus explicitly equates himself with the Father, claiming to be Yahweh.

Asserting "My Father and I Are Unified," Angering Jewish Elders

The author highlights Jesus's bold pronouncements, such as "The Father and I are one" (John 10:30) and "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), as clear statements of his divinity and his identity as Yahweh. He emphasizes the hostile reaction of the Jewish elders to Jesus's claims, particularly their attempt to stone him for blasphemy when he declares, "I am" (John 8:58), a direct echo of Yahweh’s self-identification as "I AM" to Moses (Exodus 3:14).

Barker argues that the Jews' anger stems from their understanding that Jesus isn't just asserting himself as a prophet or divine envoy, but is explicitly identifying himself as Yahweh, a claim they considered blasphemous and worthy of capital punishment.

Context

• At the time, many Jews were anticipating a Messiah, but their expectations were typically of a political or military leader who would liberate them from Roman rule, not someone claiming divine status.
• The Jewish elders, as religious leaders, were responsible for maintaining religious orthodoxy and order. A claim like Jesus's threatened their authority and the established religious structure.
• Jesus's identification with Yahweh implied a new understanding of God that included the concept of the Trinity, which was foreign and potentially heretical to Jewish monotheism at the time.
• In Jewish law, blasphemy, especially claiming to be God or equating oneself with God, was considered a severe offense. According to Leviticus 24:16, blasphemy was punishable by death, typically by stoning.

Quoting His Father's Hebrew Bible to Support Deity Claims

The author focuses on Jesus’s frequent use of Old Testament scripture to support his claims and teachings, highlighting how he directly quotes the words of a jealous Lord. He points to Matthew 22:37-38, where Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:4-15, proclaiming that the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This passage, according to Barker, is not a simple call to love God; it is embedded within a broader context of jealous demands, threats of destruction, and instructions for the violent conquest of Canaan.

Furthermore, Barker shows how Jesus, when tempted by the Devil, quotes Deuteronomy 6:16, saying, "It's recorded, 'Don't test the Lord your deity'" (Matthew 4:7), identifying himself as the "Lord" and endorsing his father's angry, jealous, and violent nature. He argues that Jesus, instead of rejecting the problematic messages in the Hebrew Bible, embraces them, even using them to defend his own divine authority.

Practical Tips

• Use social media to share your insights on how historical wisdom applies to current events. Craft posts that draw parallels between scriptural lessons and news stories or personal anecdotes. This not only helps you process the information but also encourages others to consider the enduring relevance of these teachings.
• Create a journal of instances where jealousy appears in your life or in the lives of those around you. Note the outcomes and how the situations were resolved. This exercise can help you observe the real-world implications of jealousy, similar to the way it's portrayed in religious texts. By documenting these occurrences, you can analyze patterns and develop strategies to address jealousy constructively in your own life, drawing parallels to the broader themes presented.
• Volunteer for a cause that resonates with your core beliefs to actively express love through service. By dedicating time to help others, you're putting the principle of love into action, which can deepen your understanding and connection to the values you hold dear.
• Engage in interfaith or intercultural dialogues to broaden your perspective on love and devotion beyond your own background. Seek out local or online groups that foster conversations between people of different beliefs and cultures. Participating in these discussions can help you appreciate the diverse ways people express their spirituality and commitment, which can, in turn, inform and deepen your own practices.
• Engage in a monthly "values check-in" with a trusted friend or mentor where you discuss recent life events and decisions. Use this time to explore whether your actions align with your values and to hold each other accountable. This social reinforcement can help solidify your resolve to live by your principles and not challenge them unnecessarily.
• Create a personal code of ethics that defines how you wish to express authority and handle emotions like anger and jealousy. Use this code as a guideline for your behavior in personal and professional settings, aiming to lead by example and influence others positively. This exercise can help you establish a clear standard for your actions and interactions with others.
• Engage in creative expression by painting, drawing, or crafting an artwork that represents a problematic or negative concept in a new light. If you're dealing with the concept of failure, you might create a piece that showcases the beauty of trial and error, symbolizing each attempt as a necessary step towards success.

Jesus's Failure to Reform Immoral Old Testament Practices

Barker criticizes Jesus for not denouncing the immoral practices endorsed by God in the Old Testament, arguing that the New Testament offered a missed opportunity for a radical transformation of ethics and a rejection of violence. He contends that Jesus, instead of promoting a more compassionate and just world, reinforces the archaic and brutal values found in Hebrew scripture.

Directly Quoting Envious Deity Favorably

The author highlights passages like Matthew 5:17-19, where Jesus explicitly states that he did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. Barker contends that this statement reveals Jesus's unflinching endorsement of the Hebrew Bible, including its brutal laws and commandments. Jesus's declaration that "until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law," demonstrates a rigid adherence to the outdated and often inhumane teachings found in the Old Testament's God.

Barker further points to Matthew 15:1-9, where Jesus defends his disciples' refusal to wash their hands according to Jewish tradition by aggressively quoting Isaiah 29:13, a passage in which the Lord Jealous menaces the Israelites with storms and flames because they honored him only with their lips while their hearts were far from him. In doing so, Jesus reaffirms the violent and vengeful nature of the divine, showcasing his own inability to transcend the cruel teachings from history.

Other Perspectives

• The New Testament later describes how some of the early Christian leaders, such as Peter and Paul, grappled with the application of Jewish Law to Gentile converts, indicating an evolving understanding of the Law's role in the life of Jesus's followers.
• Jesus's statement about the law not passing away could be interpreted metaphorically rather than literally, suggesting that the underlying principles of the law are eternal, rather than the specific rules themselves.
• Jesus's use of Isaiah 29:13 in Matthew 15:1-9 could be interpreted not as an emphasis on the importance of the heart's alignment with God, but rather as a critique of the Pharisees' focus on external rituals over internal sincerity.
• The context of Jesus's actions and words in the New Testament is subject to various interpretations, and some theologians argue that he used hyperbole and parable to make broader moral points rather than to literally endorse all aspects of the Old Testament.

Promoting Violence and Intolerance Over Kindness and Understanding

Barker argues that Jesus, despite being hailed as a prince of peace, actually promotes violence and intolerance, similar to God. Citing Matthew 10:34-37, where Jesus declares, "Don't assume I arrived to create harmony on Earth; my arrival isn't to create harmony, but a weapon," the author contends that Jesus encourages division and conflict, even within families. He points out that Jesus places loyalty to himself above familial bonds, stating that "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

Furthermore, Barker highlights the parable in Luke 19:27, where Jesus speaks favorably of a king who orders the slaughter of those who did not want him to rule over them, suggesting that Jesus endorses the violent suppression of dissent. He also points to Jesus's teaching on hell, where "evildoers" endure eternal torment (Matthew 13:41-42), as another example of how the Christian scriptures embrace the concept of punishment and suffering.

Other Perspectives

• The emphasis on loyalty to Jesus over family in Matthew 10:37 can be seen as a call to prioritize spiritual values and moral principles over social or familial ties, which is a common theme in many religious and philosophical traditions.
• The term "weapon" could be understood as a symbol of the power of truth and conviction, which can cut through falsehood and compel people to make difficult decisions, rather than a call to physical violence.
• The passage could be interpreted as a challenge to the status quo of the time, which often placed family and tribal loyalty above moral and ethical considerations.
• The parable may serve as a warning about the severity of rejecting the message of Jesus, aimed at illustrating the spiritual stakes involved, rather than providing a model for earthly behavior.
• The concept of Jesus as a figure who promotes peace is supported by other passages in the New Testament, such as John 14:27, where Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."
• The concept of hell in Christian theology is often understood as a separation from God, which is a natural outcome of one's choices, rather than a punishment imposed by God.

Old Testament God Supports Unethical Practices and Contradicts Himself

The author argues that the Old Testament God not only exhibits disturbing character flaws but also actively supports unethical practices like slavery. Barker criticizes God, saying that he inconsistently applies moral principles, highlighting passages that demonstrate his capricious and arbitrary nature.

God's Support of Slavery

Barker reveals that the Old Testament God is not opposed to slavery; in fact, he endorses it both implicitly and explicitly in his laws. The author points out that the Decalogue, while prohibiting the coveting of a neighbor's slave, doesn't denounce slavery itself. The fourth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:9-10) includes slaves alongside sons, daughters, and livestock as those who should rest on the Sabbath, demonstrating their inclusion within a system of ownership.

Allowing Ownership and Beating of Slaves, Including Children

Barker criticizes the detailed instructions on slave ownership found in Exodus 21, a chapter immediately following the Decalogue. He points to the verses that allow slaveholders to physically assault slaves as long as they do not die from their injuries (Exodus 21:20-21), highlighting the inhumane treatment of slaves as mere property. Barker criticizes the fact that a Hebrew slave, even if initially purchased for a six-year period (Exodus 21:2), could remain enslaved for life if they chose to stay with their family (Exodus 21:5-6), demonstrating the lack of genuine freedom and the cruel exploitation inherent in the system.

Barker further highlights the allowance for the selling of daughters into slavery (Exodus 21:7-9) and the sexual exploitation of female slaves by their masters (Leviticus 19:20-22), showcasing the blatant disregard for women's autonomy and the deeply embedded misogyny within God's sanctioned practices.

Practical Tips

• Create a family decision-making chart to use when faced with significant life choices that affect your household. This tool will help you visualize the potential impact of your decisions on your family's well-being and cohesion. You could use a simple flowchart that starts with the decision at hand and branches out to different outcomes based on various choices, considering factors like financial stability, emotional bonds, and personal fulfillment.
• Start a book club focused on texts that deal with the theme of freedom and human rights throughout history. By selecting a range of books that cover different periods and cultures, you and your fellow readers can engage in discussions that highlight the changes in societal norms and the ongoing struggle for universal human rights.

Other Perspectives

• The text may reflect an incremental approach to social reform, aiming to improve the conditions of slaves gradually rather than abolishing slavery outright, which might not have been feasible in the historical context.

Permitting Sexual Abuse of Female Slaves By Masters

God's permission for sexual abuse of enslaved women adds another layer to the troubling ethical implications of slavery as described in the Bible. Barker points to Leviticus 19:20-22, which permits a man to have sex with a slave woman belonging to another man, as long as a ram is offered as a "guilt offering" for the act. The author criticizes this passage for not explicitly prohibiting a slave master from having intercourse with his woman slave, highlighting the lack of protection for vulnerable women under God’s laws.

Barker argues that the biblical stories, especially regarding the enslaved Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16), demonstrate the lasting harm caused by God's indifference to the suffering of enslaved people. He points to the lasting animosity between Jews and Arabs, fueled by the biblical depiction of Ishmael as "a wild donkey of a man" (Genesis 16:12) and the New Testament's assertion that the offspring of a female servant will not share in the inheritance with the child of a woman who's free (Galatians 4:30), as a consequence of God’s sanctioned injustice.

Practical Tips

• Start a conversation with friends or family about the historical and cultural reasons behind inheritance practices. Use the topic as a springboard to discuss broader issues of equality and social structures. You might explore how different societies have approached inheritance and what that says about their values and norms.

Other Perspectives

• The passage could be understood as an attempt to regulate a practice that was common in ancient societies, rather than an endorsement of that practice.
• The New Testament introduces the concept of spiritual equality in Galatians 3:28, which could be seen as a foundation for the eventual condemnation of all forms of slavery and abuse.
• The laws in the Bible must be understood within their historical and cultural context, which was vastly different from modern ethical standards.
• The stories of Hagar and Ishmael can be interpreted as a reflection of the cultural and historical context of the time, rather than an indication of God's indifference.
• The animosity between Jews and Arabs has complex historical, political, and cultural roots that extend far beyond the biblical portrayal of Ishmael.
• The use of historical religious texts to explain modern conflicts may oversimplify the deep-rooted political, social, and economic factors that contribute to such issues.

The Arbitrary and Capricious Actions of an Envious Deity

Barker challenges the notion that the divine being is consistently just and ethical, pointing out his propensity for making arbitrary decisions and inflicting cruel punishments without any clear moral justification. The author argues that these actions reveal God's erratic and evil nature, demonstrating a lack of meaningful moral principles behind his actions.

Deliberately Creating Bad Laws

The author expresses disbelief regarding the section in Ezekiel 20:25-26, where God confesses to creating "statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live," deliberately leading his people astray. He points out God's admission of "polluting them in their own gifts" by requiring the "sacrifice of every first-born," not for any ethical purpose but merely to "fill them with terror, proving to them that I am the Lord."

Barker argues that these verses expose the arbitrariness and manipulation that characterize God's relationship with his followers. He asks the reader to consider how a being who deliberately creates flawed laws and punishes individuals for following them can be considered just or deserving of worship.

Practical Tips

• Reflect on personal beliefs and identify any that may not be beneficial. By examining your own set of beliefs, you can determine if there are any that, like the "statutes that were not good," may not be serving you or others well. Write them down and consider their origins and impacts. If you find any that seem harmful or outdated, actively work on reshaping or discarding them.
• Engage in role-playing exercises with a trusted friend where you explore scenarios of being led astray. Take turns playing different roles in various situations that involve being misled. After each role-play session, discuss the feelings, thoughts, and strategies that could be used to handle such situations effectively. This can improve your emotional resilience and prepare you for real-life instances where things may not go as expected.
• Engage in a symbolic 'letting go' ritual where you write down a habit or belief you feel is holding you back, then destroy the paper as a metaphorical release. This can help you process the idea of sacrifice and its impact on your life, leading to a conscious decision to change certain behaviors.
• Engage in conversations with peers about the impact of fear on decision-making. Start discussions with friends or colleagues about times when fear influenced their choices or the choices of those around them. This can help you understand the personal and societal effects of fear-based control and develop strategies to counteract it in your own life.
• Create a personal "belief map" where you chart out your core beliefs, influences, and experiences related to spirituality. Use this visual tool to trace how your beliefs have evolved over time and to pinpoint moments where you felt divine interaction was arbitrary or manipulative. This can provide clarity on how your spiritual journey has shaped your current worldview.
• Volunteer for a local organization that works on justice reform to see firsthand the implications of flawed laws and their impact on people's lives. This could involve helping with legal aid services, participating in community outreach programs, or supporting initiatives that aim to change unjust legislation. Through this, you'll gain practical experience with the real-world consequences of laws and the importance of striving for a just society.

Punishing Individuals and Entire Nations "For No Reason"

The author critiques Job's story as a prime instance of God's capricious malevolence. Barker summarizes the book as a cruel game in which God lets Satan inflict devastating suffering on the righteous Job and his family "for no reason," just to prove a point. He emphasizes God's chilling admission in Job 2:3: "You urged me to oppose him and ruin him without cause," highlighting the lack of moral justification behind this horrific act.

Barker contrasts Job's steadfast faithfulness, even in the face of unimaginable suffering, with God's callous indifference to the death of his children and the destruction of his life. He asks the reader how we can possibly admire a deity who inflicts suffering on innocent individuals to win a wager.

Context

• The story raises questions about the nature of God, the reason for human suffering, and the possibility of disinterested righteousness—being good without expecting rewards.
• In the context of the Book of Job, Satan is portrayed not as the embodiment of evil but as an accuser or adversary in the heavenly court, challenging Job's righteousness.
• Job loses his wealth, his children die in a tragic accident, and he is afflicted with painful sores. Despite these calamities, Job does not curse God, which is a testament to his enduring faith.
• In the cultural and historical context of the text, the loss of children and wealth would have been seen as a catastrophic personal and social disaster, affecting one's legacy and status.
• The Book of Job is considered a poetic and philosophical text, with its structure including dialogues and monologues that delve into existential questions.

Old Testament: God Admits to Causing Evil and Using Plagues and Disease as Punishment

This section examines God's disturbing admission in Isaiah 45:7: "I shape light and make dark, create peace and cause evil; I, God, am behind all these actions," as a clear demonstration of his malevolence. Barker explores the various attempts by translators and theologians to soften the impact of the passage, arguing that they ultimately fail to negate God's responsibility for the world's evils. He also discusses God's frequent use of infectious diseases and plagues as punishment, highlighting how these actions reveal a capricious and cruel nature.

God's Statement "I Make Evil" as Evidence of Harmful Intent

Barker focuses on the numerous Bible verses that link God with evil, particularly Isaiah 45:7, where God unequivocally says, "I create evil and make peace." He emphasizes that the Hebrew term "rah," in both this passage and its initial appearance in Genesis 2:17, clearly refers to immorality rather than merely natural disasters or misfortune.

Interpreters and Theologians Evade the Text's Clear Meaning

The author criticizes the various translations of Isaiah 45:7 that attempt to downplay God's creation of ethical wrongdoing by replacing "evil" with synonyms like “disaster," "calamity," "woe,” or "trouble." He contends that these substitutions, while potentially justifiable in other contexts, are unconvincing in this specific verse, arguing that they reflect a desire to shield God from moral accountability rather than a genuine attempt at accurate translation.

Barker argues that the consistent use of “light” and “darkness” across all translations, while “peace" and "evil" show wide variety, points to a theological bias among those who seek to portray God in a more favorable light.

Practical Tips

• Start a discussion group focused on ethical dilemmas in literature, movies, or real-life scenarios. During each session, present a dilemma and have participants reframe the issue using different synonyms for "evil." This will foster a deeper understanding of how language influences our moral judgments and ethical reasoning.
• You can enhance your critical reading skills by creating a personal glossary of frequently used terms in texts and noting their varying translations or interpretations. When you come across words like "peace" and "evil" in different books or articles, write them down and compare how different authors or translators handle these concepts. This exercise will help you recognize biases and develop a more nuanced understanding of language.

Distinction Between Moral and Natural Atrocities to Justify God's Brutality

Barker deconstructs the theological distinction between moral and natural evil, arguing that it is ultimately irrelevant in attempting to justify what God does. Whether a devastating earthquake is caused by tectonic plate movement or divine intervention, the consequence—suffering and death—is identical. He contends that attributing natural disasters to God, while claiming he bears no responsibility for moral wrongdoing, is a semantic game that fails to address the ethical implications of a deity who inflicts harm on creation.

Barker argues that if we attribute natural evil, such as plagues, to God’s will, then we cannot absolve him of responsibility for the suffering they inflict. He asks the reader how we can simultaneously believe that an all-powerful and benevolent deity unleashes deadly diseases on innocent people.

Context

• A common argument is that God allows moral evil due to the value of free will, suggesting that a world with free will is better than one without, even if it results in moral evil.
• These attributes imply that God has unlimited power and knowledge. If God is omnipotent, he could prevent natural disasters, and if omniscient, he would know about their occurrence and impact, further complicating the justification of their existence.
• The term "semantic game" refers to the use of language to create distinctions that may not have practical significance. In this context, it suggests that differentiating between types of evil (moral vs. natural) is a way to avoid addressing the core issue of divine responsibility.
• Modern science explains natural disasters through natural processes, such as tectonic movements or viral mutations, which challenges traditional religious interpretations of these events as acts of God.

God's Use of Disease and Pestilence

Barker presents God's use of illnesses and plagues as among the most disturbing aspects of his character, citing numerous examples of how he causes suffering for his creation, both human and animal. He challenges the common belief that these actions are always justified retribution for transgression, arguing that they often appear arbitrary, whimsical, and sadistic.

The Nine Egyptian Plagues as Bullying

The author revisits the story of the ten Egyptian plagues, highlighting the gratuitous and cruel nature of the initial nine. He argues that these plagues, including turning the Nile River to blood, unleashing swarms of frogs, gnats, and flies, and causing boils on all the Egyptians, were unnecessary displays of power since God himself "made Pharaoh stubborn" and prevented him from freeing the Israelites.

Barker contends that God’s explicit statement in Exodus 10:1-2, “I have hardened his heart and the heart of his officials, in order that I may show these signs of mine among them," reveals his intention to bully Pharaoh and the Egyptians solely for the purpose of demonstrating his superiority. He asks the reader how a supposedly benevolent deity can justify inflicting such widespread suffering on innocent individuals and animals simply to "mock" them.

Context

• The story has influenced Christian, Jewish, and Islamic teachings, each interpreting the events in ways that align with their theological perspectives.
• The story of the plagues is central to the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
• The plagues would have caused widespread chaos and suffering, affecting all levels of Egyptian society, from the Pharaoh to common citizens, disrupting daily life and the economy.
• Beyond its religious significance, the Exodus story has been used as a symbol of liberation and justice in various social and political movements, including the American civil rights movement.
• The Nile River, turned to blood, was the primary water source for drinking, agriculture, and transportation, impacting daily life and survival.
• Some scholars interpret the plagues allegorically, suggesting they represent broader themes of liberation, faith, and the consequences of hubris.
• The idea of God hardening Pharaoh's heart touches on debates about free will versus predestination, questioning whether individuals have true autonomy if a deity can influence their decisions.