I think you’re taking it too literally. I think both the people in that story would say that God is good and perfect and when we are angry at things he does it’s because we don’t understand. The “he’s a real asshole isn’t he?” “he’s a gigantic asshole” was just a way for the priest to tell him that he understood what he was saying, and to ease the pain w/ a joke. It wasn’t meant as a propositional truth.
1) Aaron Shafovaloff »» June 24th, 2005 @ 3:03 pm
The best line:
“If you’re honest – trying to help people makes you confront the darkness in yourself.”
The worst line:
” ‘God’s a real asshole sometimes isn’t he?’ I say sadly.
The priest leans back and smiles. ‘A gigantic asshole.’
We both laugh.”
Laugh? Maybe this is relevant.
I think you’re taking it too literally. I think both the people in that story would say that God is good and perfect and when we are angry at things he does it’s because we don’t understand. The “he’s a real asshole isn’t he?” “he’s a gigantic asshole” was just a way for the priest to tell him that he understood what he was saying, and to ease the pain w/ a joke. It wasn’t meant as a propositional truth.
Well of course I didn’t take it as an all-encompassing proposition. I took it as irreverent language that expressed an attitude.