So loving I can hardly bear it!

When I was in indoctrination, I mean Catholic School, in church there were frequent banners about how God is love. They even had a song come out called
“They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” I mean the whole vibe almost had a hippie like peace and love thing going on.

This leads us to the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 2:23-24. While traveling, Elisha encountered a group of mocking children who taunted him with cruel jeers, shouting, “Go up, baldhead! Go up, baldhead!” In response, Elisha invoked a curse upon them, and shortly after, two bears emerged from the woods and attacked, resulting in the death of 42 boys. Love indeed.

But the question might come up, “how is this a loving God who would sanction the slaying of 42 youth for the grievous sin of making fun of bald people?

Karen Armstrong, in her book “The Bible: A Biography,” explores the extensive and painstaking revisions undertaken by Jewish and Christian editors to reconcile the portrayal of a God who, at times, seemingly punishes harshly for minor offenses. Her analysis highlights the evolving interpretations of scripture over time. The takeaway? People have always shaped their understanding of God to fit their perspectives. Creating your own personal interpretation isn’t necessarily a bad thing—until it becomes an imposition on others, demanding they conform to your version of belief.