THE EDITOR, Sir:It is always interesting to learn of the different interpretations people have of God. It is my intention in this article to propose another side to Joy Clark's letter to the editor in The Gleaner dated October 10, 2007, to the effect that "God changed his mind".
God cannot change (Malachi 3:6) - not His mind, not His character, and certainly not His principles. Neither can God lie - (Numbers 23:19); Titus 1:2; Hebrew 6:18).
However, when it comes on to salvation and human beings, as in the case of Jonah and the Ninivites as mentioned in the article, God's love is not subjected to any limitations (John 3:16). God will always welcome the repentant sinner, regardless of how vile the deeds.
Not acceptable
While I may agree that there was no need for an apology from either Bishop Morgan or Dr. Phinn with respect to the prophecies - and that depends on the context in which it was given - I cannot accept that God changed his mind.
I draw your attention to Moses. This man was raised up for the specific purpose of leading the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt into the freedom of Canaan. Moses, however, was not allowed to enter into the Promised Land, in fact, he was only given a glimpse (Deuteronomy 34).
Biblical scholars have argued that Moses might have erred along the journey, hence, he was prevented from entering into the Promised Land along with the Israelites.
I propose, therefore, that perhaps, just perhaps:
Madam Portia, in her journey to power and prestige, might have erred;
God is preserving her for another task, probably even a greater task;
Her not obtaining the status at this time was to save her soul from hell! (After all, she did profess to be god).
God is all wise, all knowing, all loving and all powerful, and will do all in His power to save humanity from destruction, if we are sincere.
Food for thought!
I am, etc.,
MEB