2008 Woodie Awards
Response to Mayhem in the Bible Point of View
Issue date: 5/10/07 Section: Letter to the Editor
Chabot Student Gary Ray:
I am writing to respond to the recent article, "Mayhem in the Bible" by Jack Wu. Wu's angry writing reveals an author who is prejudiced against, and unaware of, the teachings of Christianity.
His suggestion that the Bible records that God is responsible for "millions and billions of violent deaths" shows profound ignorance.
It is estimated that the earth's population didn't surpass the 1 million mark until the 1850s. And Wu is incorrect in citing a verse from Daniel 4 to substantiate his argument that God is unconcerned about humanity.
The verse cited by Wu, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing…" was understood by the Hebrews to simply note the great disparity between the wisdom and power of God and that of humanity. One of many parallel verses is Isaiah 40:15 ("Behold, the nations … are counted as the small dust of the balance").
And yes there are references to accountability and judgment in the Bible. But how could we expect God to be righteous and let evil go unchecked?
Wu's letter ends with, "God sends them to hell as he promised." His article insinuates that God is angry and vengeful-I disagree.
There are 397 verses in the Bible that speak of God's love for humanity.
I encourage readers to give God a chance. Find a good church, learn about prayer, and discover how encouraging and helpful the scriptures can be.
And know that, "…whoever believes in him will never be disappointed." (1 Peter 2:6b).
I am writing to respond to the recent article, "Mayhem in the Bible" by Jack Wu. Wu's angry writing reveals an author who is prejudiced against, and unaware of, the teachings of Christianity.
His suggestion that the Bible records that God is responsible for "millions and billions of violent deaths" shows profound ignorance.
It is estimated that the earth's population didn't surpass the 1 million mark until the 1850s. And Wu is incorrect in citing a verse from Daniel 4 to substantiate his argument that God is unconcerned about humanity.
The verse cited by Wu, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing…" was understood by the Hebrews to simply note the great disparity between the wisdom and power of God and that of humanity. One of many parallel verses is Isaiah 40:15 ("Behold, the nations … are counted as the small dust of the balance").
And yes there are references to accountability and judgment in the Bible. But how could we expect God to be righteous and let evil go unchecked?
Wu's letter ends with, "God sends them to hell as he promised." His article insinuates that God is angry and vengeful-I disagree.
There are 397 verses in the Bible that speak of God's love for humanity.
I encourage readers to give God a chance. Find a good church, learn about prayer, and discover how encouraging and helpful the scriptures can be.
And know that, "…whoever believes in him will never be disappointed." (1 Peter 2:6b).
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