I hate to feed an obvious publicity stunt, but I couldn’t let this one go by without noting it. A Nebraska state senator is suing God, claiming that the Almighty “has made and continues to make terroristic threats of grave harm to innumerable persons”:
Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers filed suit against God Friday, asking a court to order the Almighty and his followers to stop making terrorist threats. [...]
Chambers, in a fit of alliteration, also accuses God of causing “fearsome floods, egregious earthquakes, horrendous hurricanes, terrifying tornadoes, pestilential plagues, ferocious famines, devastating droughts, genocidal wars, birth defects, and the like.”
Those are, indeed, difficult theological problems, but I somehow don’t think Chambers’ lawsuit is going to resolve the age-old Problem of Evil. Bonus points do go to the Wired writer who penned the story above, for this line at the end of the article:
God did not immediately respond to a non-denominational prayer for comment by this reporter.
Nice. More seriously, Christians believe that God did appear before a human court some 2000 years ago. The results may have ultimately worked out for our spiritual benefit, but the event doesn’t speak too highly of humanity’s qualifications to render judgment on their own Creator…
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September 18, 2007 at 10:00
I doubt if when Lewis wrote “God in the Dock” that he ever thought it would be taken literally …
September 18, 2007 at 10:04
Leaders like this is what is wrong with our country, They think that they can do/ say what they want and just totally ignore God. God gave us this great country and we are putting people in office like this?!?!?
It is no wonder we are having the problems that we have today. Did we not learn anything from the Israelites????
God bless the USA, we sure need it.
September 18, 2007 at 10:49
Hmm, I don’t think I’ve heard his name since I moved away from Nebraska more than four years ago! Chambers is the lauging stock of the Nebraska political system. He’ll do anything to hold up half-way decent legislation just to make an inane point.
I’m surprised his district hasn’t been able to come up with a “real” candidate in recent years.
September 18, 2007 at 12:11
We so often accuse God when things go “wrong,” never for a moment taking into account the blessings we experience because God created us in the first place, things like: lilting laughter, lasting love, gourmet grub, kaliedescopic colors, shaded shelter, coffee with cream, spieling speech, inventive imagination, comfy cars, wonderful worship, a fabulous future with Christ!
I won’t even think about sueing God for creating the chutzpah-crazed Chambers, since God gloriously has used this senator’s shenanigan to extend exponentially my awesome appreciation of all God’s given me to enjoy!
September 18, 2007 at 12:12
After reading a few articles on the subject, it seems like he is doing this to show how frivolous our legal system has become.
http://www.ketv.com/news/14133442/detail.html
September 18, 2007 at 16:08
I agree with austin. It may not be the best way to make a point, but it does. I didn’t read anything that was blasphemy (did I spell that right?). As a matter of fact, he acknowledged Gods power. I just wonder why he didn’t try sueing the devil?
September 18, 2007 at 20:25
His comments don’t strike me as any different than Kathy Griffin’s at the Emmys.
September 19, 2007 at 03:42
God is an easy target for everybody to blame for their own problems, national, international and natural calamities. Since God is a loving God and His mercy lasts for ever, everybody can throw mud at God while enjoying His blessings.
September 19, 2007 at 09:03
Another “Frivolous” Lawsuit:0)
September 19, 2007 at 12:03
God’s answer to Job, and possibly Ernie, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with ignorant words? Brace yourself…” Job 38-41 is pretty much God’s response to this frivious lawsuit.
September 19, 2007 at 13:34
Aren’t we all mud slingers?
September 19, 2007 at 15:34
Hrm…ordering the Almighty God to appear in a court He’s allow to be established? How does that work? I would hate to have to explain before God on HIS judgment seat why I pressed charges against Him…
September 19, 2007 at 16:14
I think they should sue the triune God. That way they can get triple the damages.
September 19, 2007 at 18:16
Austin has it right. He is not doing it in a regards to his disdain for God. He is doing it to prove that the people who sue randomly and with no ligit excuse, just so they can get money. If you read it and don’t study it you won’t really know it.
September 21, 2007 at 14:35
While the rest of the country is pointing fingers and getting all riled up, the residents of Nebraska are shaking their heads and saying, “Oh Ernie, not again . . . ”
He’s been a State Senator ever since I can remember (I’ve lived in Nebraska all my life) and Ernie Chambers is infamous in this state. He loves attention and will never stop trying to get it.
Just ignore him and he’ll go away for awhile. Attention is what he feeds on.
September 24, 2007 at 10:32
Well, if his district keeps re-electing him, then they are satisfied with his representation. Nothing more to say on that point.
I don’t think God has to answer this lawsuit, but if he chose to do so, he could demur for lack of jurisdiction.
I believe God has a sense of humor, so I doubt that a unique, singular, omnipotent power has to take offense at this, he can well afford to laugh. Therefore, so can the rest of us.
But I don’t think any of this tempest in a teapot characterizes “what is wrong with this country.” Since we have removed the profane hand of the civil magistrate from spiritual matters, freeing each of us to pursue our own relationship with God unhindered by prying government, we have also freed our legislators to file frivolous lawsuits without fear of prosecution for blasphemy.
God, of course, will do whatever God chooses, without requiring permission from constitutional amendments or enabling legislation authored by misguided Christian caucuses. Mr. Chambers has not been struck by lightning yet, correct?
September 25, 2007 at 13:54
Not yet, Siarlys. But one day…
September 26, 2007 at 10:33
Last I knew, speaking in the name of God without direct authorization is either blasphemy or foolishness, which is more dangerous than an honest joke on the Almighty. In any event, I won’t hold my breath. If God was not merciful, we would all have been destroyed before entering kindergarten, no?
September 26, 2007 at 10:44
Truly said, I praise God for His mercy. But for those who will have none of it here and could care less about His glory & goodness, well…I praise God for His justice too.
October 1, 2007 at 08:49
Well said, again, Siarlys.
October 6, 2007 at 14:04
I am a christian and believe that this is one of the best lawsuits out there. I agree with the senator, how is one person capable of suing over anything and getting large amounts of money for it. They say one person can make a difference, who cares if he doesn’t believe in God for his own personal salvation, the fact is that God cannot be sued, everyone understands that, and it just seems to fit right now. Come on, suing over a cup of hot coffee spilled? Please? Over being strip-searched and winning millions of dollars. I think that is ridiculous. Plenty of people are going hungry, and dying of diseases and this money is just being WASTED! Hopefully God accepts the suit and as is, and can help make some serious changes in today’s legal systems.