This is so heartbreaking to see. I know Piper says things like this, and actually even worse things about Hell. It is astounding to me that a guy like Piper who loves Jesus and is familiar with the story of the Bible could think this. It is an affront to the character of God. It could not be more contrary to the God revealed in Jesus. I want to condemn these statements in the strongest possible terms. I do believe that these statements turn people away from the faith. Who wouldn’t be repulsed by a God who is the author of all evil? Piper thinks he is honoring God’s sovereignty by saying this, but he isn’t. God’s power is shown in self-giving love. He is light, and in HIm, there is no darkness at all. That has to actually mean something. It can’t be nullified by the desire to ascribe meticulous control to God. If we were God, maybe we would pre-program the world. God isn’t like us!
Matthew 23:37
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
These words show the heart of God. They mean something. If God is ultimately directing everything, then this and many other passages become utterly meaningless.
I wrote a short article on this subject recently as well, if anyone is interested:
God is Open
This is so heartbreaking to see. I know Piper says things like this, and actually even worse things about Hell. It is astounding to me that a guy like Piper who loves Jesus and is familiar with the story of the Bible could think this. It is an affront to the character of God. It could not be more contrary to the God revealed in Jesus. I want to condemn these statements in the strongest possible terms. I do believe that these statements turn people away from the faith. Who wouldn’t be repulsed by a God who is the author of all evil? Piper thinks he is honoring God’s sovereignty by saying this, but he isn’t. God’s power is shown in self-giving love. He is light, and in HIm, there is no darkness at all. That has to actually mean something. It can’t be nullified by the desire to ascribe meticulous control to God. If we were God, maybe we would pre-program the world. God isn’t like us!
Matthew 23:37
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
These words show the heart of God. They mean something. If God is ultimately directing everything, then this and many other passages become utterly meaningless.
I wrote a short article on this subject recently as well, if anyone is interested:
This is a really well written article.
Thank you! This is such an important subject.