God in Our Image

Previously, we began a quick trip through Dr. Lawson’s Made in Our Image. In his introduction, Dr. Lawson begins to make the case that we, in the contemporary church, have begun to craft and fashion an inadequate view of God. This, he rightly contends, is the source of many subsequent problems. He goes on to delineate some false images of God. We’ll take a look at them below through various excerpts from chapter two of Made in Our Image.

First, A Celestial Santa Clause.

He [God] exists simply to meet needs…and requires nothing in return except a little good behavior now and then. Like Santa Clause, God exists to provide but never to discipline or punish.

Second, A Divine Copilot.

Sadly, that is precisely how the user-friendly god is perceived. I know because I read it on bumper stickers all the time. The message is plain as day: “Jesus Is My Copilot.” How convenient it is to have a subordinate sovereign—able to drive, but only at our discretion! Reduced to a secondary, supportive role, the Lord is always there, watching and awaiting our call in times of crisis. But in the interim He does little. Occasionally, He checks our instrument panel, ready to step in if needed, or comforts us when something goes wrong; but for the most part He is on standby. His will is always subordinate to ours.

Third, A Heavenly Repair Man.

Unfortunately, many people view God as a benevolent jack-of-all-trades who can fix anything. They see His goodness merely in a problem-solving capacity. They see Him as on on-duty repairman, always ready to fix whatever is broken in their lives. While we all know God can solve any problem and is always there when we need Him, this view of God as a repairman robs Him of His true goodness.

Fourth, A Galactic Grandfather.

Many perceive God exactly like a galactic grandfather. They see Him as a doting deity who merely wants to love us all over, never showing a trace of displeasure or discipline. Simply tell Him what is happening; try to do more good than bad; and He will understand. Sure, they know God talks about sin, but they have seemingly gone unpunished for so long that they think this senile sovereign no longer means what He says. They rush headlong into sin because they can always ask forgiveness later. After all, it is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Fifth, A Universal Utilitarian.

This disfiguration of God presents Him as a dispassionate king who rules His creation with an iron fist. Like a war commander who doesn’t care for the wellbeing of his soldiers, God is distant, detached, and preoccupied.

This view of God is based on the reasoning that He is powerful enough to stop such tragedies as natural disasters, sinister rulers, and bloody wars, but does not; therefore, He must not be a good God.

Sixth, A Clever Magician.

Unfortunately, some Christians think of God as just such an illusionist. They assume He must always work through signs, miracles, and wonders. In fact, if there is no visible manifestation of power, they conclude God must really be uninvolved.

All quotations taken from Made in Our Image, by Steven Lawson.