It has been asked, “How could there be a god when there’s evil in the world?” “How could there be a god when there’s pain and suffering?” As we have pointed out numerous times, these questions are incoherent. The questions, though in the guise of reason and concern, are empty and worthless because they appeal to the standard which they question, a god is being served, so the question deserves no answer.
However in a similar vein, though hopefully with less deceit, Barth turns the question around. How could a good and perfect God, who has no need of anyone or anything, create us? How could eternal Joy and Love be moved to make something outside Himself? “This is the riddle of creation.” Why would perfect satisfaction be moved to make something other? How and why would this be possible? If there’s any dilemma, it’s this one. It’s the Problem of Us. How could there be Us when there’s a good and perfect God?
Leave a Reply