God wouldn't...

Many theological arguments begin with, "Why would God....?" or more directly, "God wouldn't...."

 

The 'problem of pain' argument against God: "A benevolent and omnipotent God wouldn't allow pain in his world. There is pain, so there is no God."

 

An Arminian argument against God's sovereignty: "Why would God judge people if they can't resist his eternally ordained purpose?" In Romans 9:18-21, Paul entertains this exact objection, and refutes it.

 

A traditional Evangelical belief: "God wouldn't forgive a person's sins if he hasn't explicitly called on Jesus for forgiveness." If this is God's formula, someone forgot to tell Jesus (Luke 23:34) "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Is ignorance really grounds enough for forgiveness? In at least this one case, apparently so.

 

So beware of arguments that begin, "God wouldn't..."

They tend to make God into a formula, as though we could plug in the scenario and come up with God's response.

No, God is a person, at least as complex as we are (understatement of the century). He chooses the option we least expect more often that we would expect.

Some "God-woudn't" arguments are safe enough, but when you hear one, put your brain's filter on full alert, lest you think of God as a formula.