Is God A Moral Monster?

[Laudate_Dominum]

I'm returning to this topic after a few weeks away from it. Just fishing for some solid sources. The first thing that comes to mind obviously is Paul Copan's recent book.

[url="http://www.amazon.com/God-Moral-Monster-Making-Testament/dp/0801072751/"]Paul Copan, [i]Is God a Moral Monster?: Making Sense of the Old Testament God[/i][/url]

I've not read Copan's book but I skimmed over a massive critical review (a review longer than the book itself) by Thom Stark which seems to expose it as contrived and superficial apologetics in contrast to legitimate scholarship.

[url="http://thomstark.net/copan/stark_copan-review.pdf"]Thom Stark, [i]Is God a Moral Compromiser? A Critical Review of Paul Copan's "Is God a Moral Monster?"[/i][/url]

I'm interested in candid and relevant academic works which might shed light on the questions raised by both critics of Christianity and scholars such as Stark. Naturally a Catholic pov would be ideal. Just throwing it out there.


edit: typo

Edited July 20, 2011 by Laudate_Dominum

[Laudate_Dominum]

P.S. Some responses from Copan to Stark can be found on this blog.

http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/author/paul-copan/

[Papist]

No.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='Papist' timestamp='1311202994' post='2272055']
No.
[/quote]
The thread title is basically a rhetorical question. A book title too. I know God isn't in fact a moral monster. The OP explains the purpose of this thread.

Peace.

[Papist]

[quote name='Laudate_Dominum' timestamp='1311227500' post='2272404']
The thread title is basically a rhetorical question. A book title too. I know God isn't in fact a moral monster. The OP explains the purpose of this thread.

Peace.
[/quote]
I understand, but that is all I can say.

[BarbTherese]

God does ask very high moral standards, and He comes to meet intimately His weakest and most fallen with an embrace of Absolute Loving Mercy and Understanding Compassion. When the most miserably and absolutely fallen can receive God's Mercy for the sincere asking, doesn't sound like a moral monster to me.
Rather it is weak humanity and morally so often fallen that could find it difficult to admit that we are so and would perhaps prefer a god who might condone the situation - rather than eat humble pie, admit our state, and humbly ask for God's Mercy recognizing our true condition. "When I am weak, then I am strong" for I can only truly meet our Merciful God in my weaknesses.
I understand that the question may be rhetorical, but I thought in light of the thread title and subject, the question the thread posed in the subject deserved addressing - and apologies if it is not what your OP is asking.

Other than that, I wonder if the thead should be in a debate type forum rather than in serious spirituality?

[quote] Psalm 50 http://www.drbo.org/x/d?b=drb&bk=21&ch=50&l=7&f=s#x [6] To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee: [quote]that thou mayst be justified in thy words and mayst overcome when thou art judged. [7] For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me. [/quote][8] For behold thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me. [9] Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. [10] To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice. [/quote]

[Laudate_Dominum]

Thanks for the response.

[quote name='BarbaraTherese' timestamp='1311302813' post='2273426']
Other than that, I wonder if the thead should be in a debate type forum rather than in serious spirituality?
[/quote]
No, definitely not interested in a debate. Transmundane is for non-debate discussions of theology and apologetics and that's what I'm trying to do. I imagine most people who dabble in apologetics on atheist sites have come across the charge. "Your god commands slavery, rape and genocide. The bible is morally repugnant. How do you reconcile sweet Jesus meek and mild with the cruel and vindictive judge of the old testament?" Et cetera. It's a popular theme these days.

[Paddington]

Better than an Immoral Monster. *shrug*

[Paddington]

Loving the Thom Stark link btw. Gotta stop reading it and get back to work.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='Paddington' timestamp='1311314021' post='2273647']
Better than an Immoral Monster. *shrug*
[/quote]
Lol! Seriously.

[quote name='Paddington' timestamp='1311314474' post='2273649']
Loving the Thom Stark link btw. Gotta stop reading it and get back to work.
[/quote]
Yeah, he's definitely not what I would call orthodox but at least he's interesting. haha. I'm restraining myself from reading the whole thing too because I'm thinkin' I should read Copan's book first. I dunno. Glad you're loving it!

[Laudate_Dominum]

To keep this thread on topic I will reiterate: This thread is very much not a debate and posting anti-Christian polemics is not appreciated. I'm specifically wondering if any Catholic apologists on this site might recommend resources along the lines of, but perhaps a cut above Copan's book. Thanks.

[MIKolbe]

Some posts in this thread have been split off and put in the Debate Table for those interested in debate. If you wish to debate, please go there.

Thank you,

MIKolbe