The Absence of Divine Intervention: Exploring the Nature of 'God'

Whether we are believers or not, the question of why a 'god' does not intervene when humans, particularly those guided by religious or political ideologies, commit heinous acts, remains a deeply interrogating inquiry. This article delves into the nature of gods and the concepts surrounding the absence of divine intervention, touching upon deism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and humanism.

The Nature of Pagan and Tribal Gods

Pagan gods, much like tribal gods, do not typically intervene in the affairs of humans or disputations among humans. Unlike tribal gods, however, pagan gods do not demand absolute obedience from their followers or claim to be the sole, supreme deity. Tribal gods, on the other hand, do enforce strict adherence and insist on monolithic adherence; they claim to be more significant than other deities, functioning like lesser gods within a hierarchy. These gods are often perpetually drilled into the psyche of their followers through indoctrination and cultural enforcements.

Contemporary Reflections on Human Behavior

The question of why a 'god' does not intervene when people act unprofessionally at work, engage in harmful behaviors, or perpetrate mass atrocities such as beheadings and killings, is a complex one. Some assert that it is because there is no god, but let us consider the alternative view. If one were to posit that a god created the universe and works according to certain laws, would they genuinely care if some human beings were killing each other based on their simple, endlessly foolish views of the universe?

With billions of human inhabitants on the planet, the concern over human civilizational collapse may not be what preoccupies such a deity. Besides, humans are responsible for destroying the very planet that sustains them, leading one to wonder if there are more pressing matters for the divine to attend to, such as creating new universes, planets, or even other forms of intelligent life.

The Divine Perspective According to Different Religions

Historically, the nature of 'God' varies significantly across religions and beliefs. For instance, a Deist might argue that the 'first cause' initiated the universe, after which its workings are left to the human race. The Evangelical view is slightly different, with Satan being permitted to deceive the world in preparation for the Antichrist and the formation of an evil one-world government. According to this perspective, evil acts are a product of free will and part of God’s divine plan. Similarly, in Islam, evil is also seen as the result of free will, but by the time of the End Times, the faithful will be rewarded for their actions.

Judaism, on both the Orthodox and Conservative and Reformed perspectives, suggests that until the Messiah returns, free will allows for evil. In contemporary thought, liberal Christians and humanist Jews believe that the responsibility falls on humans to create a just and peaceful world.

The Onus of Responsibility

Ultimately, the absence of divine intervention leads to a pressing question: do we as humans wait passively for divine intervention, or should we take responsibility for the just and peaceful world we wish to create? By actively working towards reducing fear, xenophobia, ignorance, greed, tribalism, and radical ideologies, humans can significantly impact the world around them.

By taking a proactive stance and embracing the concept of humanism, we can strive to create a world that is as just and compassionate as possible. This involves standing against victim and perpetrator dynamics and advocating for accountability, fair treatment, and respect for all individuals.

Thus, in the face of divine silence, the onus of responsibility ultimately falls on humanity to forge a better, more just world. By examining the nature of 'god' and the absence of divine intervention, we gain a deeper understanding of the need for human responsibility and proactive engagement in creating a peaceful and just society.