Why are we here?

Why would God bother making something that he knew would be rebellious, depraved, and ultimately cost him a trip to the cross? Sounds like a bigger hassle than David Hasselhoff, and it doesn't get much bigger than that! So why make man at all? Maybe he was just bored with "formless and void." Maybe God had too much headache medication and wanted a reason to use it. Maybe he wanted to create a bunch of finite creatures and watch what happened when he put billions of seductive, powerful, self-seeking angels on earth with them. Then, after the humans mess everything up, he could govern them with a bunch of impossible laws and watch them squirm. Wow, Frank is in top form today! Go Frank! But wait . . . is that a thunder cloud? This is not a new question. Sincere believers ask "why" as much as non-believers. I have heard many different answers: God was lonely (despite all the angels and cherubim and so on). It pleased him to do so (he said "it was good"). We will never understand with our puny brains. He needed an outlet for his mercy and wrath. In 1647, the Reformers, while working to create a catechism for purity and unity of doctrine, made this their number one question. Q: What is the Chief End of Man? A: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Do you agree? Or is there a better answer?

6 comments:

Mrs. Frank said...

I bet David Hasselhoff would have something to say about this.

Gardiner Rynne said...

Ask before you post my picture next time.

Anonymous said...

The God of Abraham is more of a Passionate Designer than an Intelligent Designer. Is there really any Reason for the desire to create? Planned Parenthood always did seem to be an oxymoron. I can’t explain why I have children, let alone why God has children.

Jenn said...

Thanks anon. That seems insightful. The catechism answer certainly seems dry to me, despite the word "enjoy" thrown in there. I think He wants to enjoy us too, and part of that is us glorifying Him. I don't think there's any way around it. When we're in a right relationship with Him (based on faith in Christ's work) then we will glorify Him, enjoy Him. And He will delight in us, His people.

John Barnts said...

Sorry Gardiner. I thought I could disguise it by posting David Hasselhoff's face on your body. Big mistake.

Anonymous said...

Jenn, The catechism sounds dry because because it's old. Old things get dry, especially to our young, moist eyes and ears. But I think you're right on to say that there is a back-and-forth in our glorifying him and his delight in us. The question is really, How do we give him glory?