If God Appeared Before Me: Questions and Demands for a Better World

Irsquo;ll admit, the thought of encountering God in person is as absurd as it is awe-inspiring. If I were to have such an encounter, it wouldnrsquo;t be to gloat or command divine intervention. Rather, it would be to engage in a profound and, perhaps, long-overdue conversation about the state of humanity and the universe.

Why Apologize for Humanity?

First and foremost, I would apologize on behalf of humanity for the myriad wrongs that have been committed. This would include every act of cruelty, every act of ignorance, and every prejudice that has plagued our species. I would ask for an honest and open dialogue about our beliefs and where we have gone astray. It would cover everything I didnrsquo;t understand during my childhood and the things I still grapple with as an adult.

Unpacking Our Questions

I would raise the childlike questions that have always fascinated me, such as the true appearance and sounds of dinosaurs. I would also venture into the more challenging and weighty inquiries—maybe asking if I am a bad person, if the concepts of heaven and hell exist, and if there is divine hatred against humanity. These questions are fundamental to our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

Setting Boundaries with Free Will

Secondly, I would lay out the limits for free will. This world is rife with horrifying realities like the abuse of children, which occurs even within religious institutions. If I were to meet a divine being, I would demand that they end the suffering of innocent children. Why does a benevolent creator allow these atrocities to occur, and why are they perpetuated by those who should be safeguarding the most vulnerable amongst us?

In a world where infants and toddlers are subjected to unimaginable cruelty—be it rape, physical abuse, or miseducation—surely, this is something God must address. If they can stop these injustices and evil within their own ranks, I would assure them of unwavering faith and commitment. However, if they fail, even a divine being may need to take more direct action to ensure the protection of children, as their current limitations are failing the very beings they created.

Confronting the Dark Side of Religion

If God were to show up in person, the conversation wouldnrsquo;t just be about child abuse or the existence of evil in the world. It would also be about the dark intentions and actions of religious institutions.

Religious figures have often been accused of horrific crimes, from the Holocaust to the sexual abuse of children in churches. I would demand an explanation for how these atrocities are compatible with a loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful God. The holocaust and the systematic rape of children by religious leaders are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern of abuse and suffering that needs to be addressed.

While a mere apology may seem sufficient, the legacy of pain and trauma cannot be easily washed away. The suffering caused by these institutions is real and eternal. If God were to acknowledge this wrongdoing and make a commitment to prevent such atrocities in the future, I would consider it a step towards redemption.

The Verdict

Meeting God might not be the utopian experience we envision. It would be a stark, revealing encounter where the greatest questions of our existence are examined and the most painful truths are faced. If God were to appear in front of me, it would be a moment to confront the dark aspects of our world and demand a better way forward. We owe it to ourselves and to those who are suffering to demand a more compassionate and just universe.

Keywords: God, Apology, Free Will, Child Rights, Religious Institutions