The Goodness of God

The Goodness of God

1. TEN COMMANDMENTS

   • Exodus 20
     • Clear standards of what is morally right and wrong.
     • 'Do not kill'
   • Theophany
     • Event beyond description - reveals God.
   • Forms a covenant with God - holy agreement to stick to the commandments.

2. WHAT MAKES AN ACTION GOOD?

   • Poses the problem - is God seen as a divine dictator? (what he commands is law)
   • Is an action good because...
     • God commands it
     • or God commands what is good
   • Independent standard - God as an enforcer.
   • Goodness originates from God.

3. PLATO'S FORM OF THE GOOD & GOD

   • God = source of goodness
     • Form of good = self evidently good
   • Forms, like God, aren't physical/material.
     • God does act in the physical world (miracles, creation).
       • .. but God is transcendent - different from humans, so we can't understand his 'goodness'.

4. GOODNESS OF GOD (NEW TESTAMENT)

   • Gospels & Epistles
     • Jesus is God's incarnate - is willing to die for humanity, this is the ultimate display of goodness.
     • Jesus was shown to heal.
     • God forgives = God is good.

5. PROBLEMS

   • Problem of evil and suffering - challenges God's 'omni' qualities.
   • Is God really good? Destruction of Ai (Joshua 8) and sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22)
   • Some people haven't experienced miracles so question whether God does intervene in the world.
   • God is not a physical being so surely we can't describe his actions as good with our understanding of what is good.

6. GOD IN THE BIBLE

   • God is good - this is unquestionable.
     • God's actions are good.
   • God's goodness is revealed in his activity in the world (healing, miracles).
   • God's goodness is visible in the world (creation).
   • His actions benefit people.