Wondering About Arguing with G-d
This week I am wondering: What makes you argue with G-d? Are there times when you challenge G-d? Do you think that G-d challenges you?
In the Torah portion this week, we read about Abraham challenging G-d when G-d is about to destroy cities. We also seem to see Abraham not challenging G-d when asked to sacrifice his son.
I love that the Torah gives us examples of situations when people seem to "argue with" G-d. I appreciate that it means there is interaction with G-d.
Do you think that we can argue with G-d? Do you argue with G-d? Do you feel that you can convince G-d to change?
We hear the story of Abraham and the "Binding of Isaac" every year at the High Holy Days. I would love to hear what you think about the kind of interaction that G-d had with Abraham in the story. I would love to know if you would have done things differently, or if you have had other situations that seemed like challenges that made you want to challenge G-d.
Responses:
Yes. Almost every day. I Wonder about Free Will - does it really exist? [D]
I’m a lover…not an arguer [J]
I have never argued with God, but I have questioned why so many good people die or have debilitating illnesses whereas many evil persons seem to go unpunished. There are so many suffering persons in the world—disease, poverty, homelessness, etc. whereas there are undeserving persons who have wonderful lives. It is a conundrum that I realize I will never solve, but I still seem to dwell on it in spite of the fact that my dwelling on the question doesn’t solve the issue. [S]
I don't think I actually argue with G-d; however, I have questioned Him numerous times. When questioning G-d, I hope I am not angry, but rather sad or bewildered. My most intense questioning comes when I feel G-d is distant from me. There are times I cannot feel Him in my life and the situation feels lonely and overwhelming; so, I question where are you, and why are you forsaking me? I would be too fearful to get into a heated argument with G-d, it just doesn't seem to be the "done" thing. I can't imagine what Abraham was feeling or going through at the time he was preparing to sacrifice Isaac (can't imagine what Isaac was thinking either; wonder why he didn't try to make a run for it?). I would hope being told to sacrifice a loved child would finally motivate and galvanize me into arguing and challenging G-d mightily. [E]