What Kind Of Parent Would God Be?

Unconditional love is one of the things we expect of a loving parent. We expect them to love us no matter how badly we fuck up. We do not expect them to abandon us or punish us excessively for our failings. We do not expect them to brutalize and abuse us for our character flaws or even our disobedience. Patience and understanding are two of the qualities we consider to be the primary virtues of a good and loving parent. So what would Jesus do with a disobedient child? What kind of parent would God be?

God condemns his children to eternal torment in hell for disobeying him. He demanded the crucifixion of his own son as some sort of vicarious punishment for the disobedience of his other creations. WTF? What kind of barbaric asshole would torture one child because of the failings of another? What kind of parent would torture any of his children? A very, very bad one. The type that should never have children and should have all of their children immediately removed and themselves sterilized.

When my first child was born I asked myself if I was ready to give of myself unconditionally, expecting nothing in return, not even gratitude. Because gratitude is something that children learn. They aren't born with it. Children think it is your job and your duty as a parent to give them the things they need and want. They will tell you that you aren't their friend anymore because you don't buy them something they wanted. They may even tell you they hate you. But we love them still. That's what a good parent does. But what would God do? What does the bible have to say about unconditional love?

Out of one side of Jesus's mouth he talks about God's love and out of the other his Wrath. God sends you to eternal torment for not loving and worshipping him. He threatens rather than advises. Punishes rather than corrects. And his punsihments are neverending.

If my son or daughter asks me a question I try to answer it to the best of my ability. If they need advice I give it. If they need a shoulder to cry on or just a hug I give it. God is silent. God answers no questions. Gives no hugs or comfort. Says no soothing words. Offers no consolation. Tell me what God has said to you about the guy who cheated on you with your best friend? Tell me what he says about losing your house to foreclosure? About the loss of a job? The death of a loved one? Not what the bible says. What did God say to you personally? What kind of father would I be if my son or daughters wanted my advice or to hear some comforting words from me and I just pointed them to a book without uttering a word?

God is the ultimate absentee father. So why do we call this deadbeat dad perfect? God would have his kids taken away by Child Protective Services were he human. Aren't we the lucky ones that this bum does not exist? That question was rhetorical. I know the answer and so do you.