an imperfect God?

Question

I have been thinking alot about the idea of God being imperfect and what the implications would be. So many say God is perfect and makes no mistakes. Others say that is all God does is make mistakes. I need to believe that God is close and understands me and the mistakes I have made. I also believe God is everything therefore he must be imperfection as well as perfection. If we thought of God as imperfect would we have a better chance at understanding and forgiving ourselves and others? Would be so ready to shame for the mistakes that are made if God showed us by example that we can make a mistake and move on? What do you think about all of this? I would appreciate answers from your heart and mind and refrain from giving bible verse. Thank you.

Answer 1

I know you asked for no Bible verses, but I would like to point out that the God of the Bible is shown as both perfect and imperfect.

Genesis 6:7

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

This verse appears to be saying that God regretted creating humanity. That would seem to mean that God was thinking that he made a mistake.

So, if it makes you feel better to think that God makes mistakes, then you apparently can. A lot of Christians might disagree with you, but the point is really not clear in the Bible, so they are pretty much engaging in wishful thinking by insisting that he is completely perfect.

If there is a god or gods, it seems likely that they would have some sort of flaws. The universe isn't perfect in every way, so why think its creator is? Of course, one person's perfection is another person's flaw, its pretty subjective.

Answer 2

We want to believe God is imperfect so we can satisfy our false ego. We think if He is imperfect then I can understand why so many things are so wrong in this world etc But when one understands the Vedas perfectly then you understand God and the creation and why everyone here is suffering etc. God is Absolute He is perfect though we may not be able to understand with our tiny brains or our lack of full surrender. God reveals Himself fully to the person who offers them self fully and pleases Him in Devotional service. When one becomes free from doubt about Him then He shows Himself in His full Glory and one can see He is the most Supremely Perfect Person. No mistakes. IT is just a lack of security on those who doubt Him. Keep seeking. As far as the implications if you don't get past this stage of questioning Him then you will stay in doubt and not much will get revealed. That all.

Answer 3

Hmmm, maybe you didn't have enough space to fully develop your thought? When God created the Earth it was perfect. There was no conflict or turmoil. He also gave us free-will, because without that, we couldn't possibly be perfect and would never be a reflection of God. We used our free will to challenge God though, to try to use our own logic and reason to elevate ourselves to God's level. It is our own choices, when we turn away from God, that have brought conflict and turmoil into the world. Now we are struggling to get back to that perfection, and thankfully God sent us his Son to make it possible for us to get there. It does require sacrifice though, so if you want to find that peace, pick up your cross and follow him. "It is obvious to me that if there was a creator, then it was mankind. Because, what other creature would hold enough pride and arrogance to throw every form of DNA(gentle and vicious) in the primordial soup...." I can't see that this makes sense at all, whether you are an evolutionist or a creationist, because in either case there is a big problem in your chronology.

Answer 4

(using masculine pronoun for expediency's sake)

I think that we have made God into our own image so much that we imagine he has the same type of petty feelings that we do. If he created us and knows everything about not only us but every person on earth, he's got to be used to all the stupid stuff that humans do. Remember the old 'Would you do that if Jesus were standing right here?' question? Well, would you pick your nose if Jesus were standing right there? Does that make picking your nose a sin?

We're human--we do dumb and selfish things as part of our nature, and I think we've made God out to be expecting a lot more out of us than we should. I don't think we ever surprise or shock him.

The reason I don't judge others is because I am WELL AWARE of all the mistakes that I, personally, make. But I don't think that would be the 'reasoning' that God would need to use. Think of your dog--he licks himself in front of you, and you know he'd get into the trash if you weren't looking--you don't expect much more out of him, because he's just a dog. I think God is probably much more understanding of human fallibility than we have scared ourselves into believing he is.

Answer 5

Hi, I will try to tell you what you are searching for. God is not imperfect, He is perfect in every way. God gives us choice, He do not force Himself on anybody. He's a perfect Gentleman, on the other hand satan is real and he is always here to tempt God's people satan works through your mind. When bad things happens people are always ready to blame God. God already told us we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of Him. If we sin there will always be repercussion to follow. You said refrain from giving bible verses but it is very hard to not speak the bible if it is His Word. It seem to me that you may not want to know the total truth about who He is. But He do forgive those who believe on Him and His Word. He came to earth and died for every sin that mankind committed. We just have to believe He did and ask for forgiveness. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and truly believe His Word, God will open your eyes. He opened mine when I asked. Just be opened minded to His Word, that is all He ask. Trust in Jesus, God bless and I will keep praying that you find the Truth.

Answer 6

God is of every good word. See he doesn't make mistakes because he can't, it is not his nature. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, we as people are no were near God's perfection, the bible says all men sin, and fall short of the glory of God, but by his Grace we can be made whole.

Answer 7

God is supposed to be Superior. He wants perfection. What would be the point if it was okay to mess up. If we had nothing to strive for then what good is it. If we do not have an example of purity then how can we measure what is good and bad. That messes up the whole standards we have set to strive to be. If we strive to be like God (not God) and if he was not really any better than us except with powers, then I think people would strive to BE God. Look at the Pharaohs in Egypt. Hope this makes sense.

Answer 8

God, being perfect, does understand our ways, He knows we are but dust. After all, He created us and knows our ways. He sent Christ, who was perfectly human and perfectly God, to live a human life, so we may have a high priest in Heaven, our advocate, who understands what we go through in life.

Heb 4:14 Then having a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses but One having been tried in all respects according to our likeness, apart from sin.
Heb 4:16 Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and we may find grace for timely help.

Answer 9

I see your point, but you have to realize something...
God created us, He knows us better than we know ourselves. Don't you think with that, He knows exactly how we feel and why we feel that way? Personally, I find it very comforting to know that He's ready to forgive us always, and he's understanding. The Bible says He's patient and that "God is love". If He were imperfect, He would feel the need for vengeance toward bad people. But in the Bible it says that it is not like him to act wickedly and unjustly. Think about that.

Answer 10

Perfection is the only way to discern imperfection. In reality we were all made in the perfection of God, we have just been deluded by a false reality. This false reality creates the illusion of sin, sickness and death. You too can have the mind of Christ.