Job
Going against Retributive Theory
God isn't "getting back at you" for your sin
2 Structures
Poetry
Prose
Job is patient
God commends Job
God is called YHWH
Job is defiant
God rebukes Job
God is called:
Eloah
Shaddai
El
Ha Satan
"the satan"
NOT the devil
"the adversary"
the accuser
Mr. District Attorney
Not lex talionis
Job's response as "tragic wisdom"
Theophany
Job's friends
Traditional retributive theory
Insensitive
Job gives up belief in virtue
I'm not sinless, but surely I don't deserve THIS
"I will defend my ways to his face"
Bildad
God punishes the wicked justly
Ellihu
Job's friends AND Job are wrong
Job is arrogating himself (placing himself above God)
Ask the question, make the demand - hold the charge against God
God appears!
You have questions? So do I. Are you ready for this Job? Man enough? Alright. Let's go.
Snarky God
Mystery Theodicy
A defense of God that appeals to mystery and an infinite view of God
God's Response
Is to Job, but also contextually to Elihu and Job's other 3 friends
Where the hell were you Job - when the earth was created? Who the hell are you to ask these questions of me? You are a finite being who can't POSSIBLY understand everything I can
Job is speechless and humbled
What the hell have you done to end suffering? Have you done your part to bring about justice? Get off your ass and do something about it. Stop complaining about how bad your life is. Don't be so self centered. Once you've done that, we'll talk.
By trying to understand the existential, you are placing yourself in the position of God. That is not your place. You are limited as a finite being. You must accept this.
The best thing for us would be to never have been born - barring that, exit this life ASAP because life is suffering
"Cursing" or "Annulling" the day I was born
Oedipus at Clonus