In our previous chapter, we saw how Calvin thought of God as a hyperactive landlord. To Calvin, God is involved in even small aspects of our world (articular providence). But, a reliance on Providence could get us into trouble. Say, for instance, I knew God was in charge and that he was taking care of me. Couldn't I just throw myself off a tall building and rely on Providence? No, says Calvin. Providence is never an excuse to violate God's basic laws.
Then, Calvin waxes spiritual. How miserable it would be if people started to doubt God's providence! In times of hunger or toil, knowing God is in charge gets us through. We know we can depend on God because he is immutable and unrepentant.
But, wait a minute! What about all those verse about God 'repenting'?
Exodus 32:14 "And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people."
Genesis 6:6,7 "And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth . . . And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth . . . for it repenteth me that I have made him."
Jonah 3:10 ". . . and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
Calvin says that the repentance of God is simply an anthropomorphism. Human beings are so stupid that they cannot understand the high and holy ways of God. So, God must at times talk to us like we're drooling dimwits. Thus, the Bible says that God repented. However, we're supposed to put in a few winking emoticons so people know that God didn't really repent. So, let's do that with Exodus 32:14 -
Exodus 32:14 "And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people." ;) ;)
Please update your Bible accordingly.
I have a question, however. Calvin was, apparently, smart enough to discover God's anthropomorphism. Then, I assume he understands what lies behind the anthropomorphism. So, what is it?
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