The God Who Weeps

What's "The God Who Weeps" about?

• Exploration of Mormonism: The book delves into how Mormon theology provides a framework for understanding life's mysteries and challenges.
• Divine Compassion: It emphasizes the concept of a God who is deeply compassionate and emotionally involved with humanity.
• Human Experience: The authors explore themes of preexistence, the purpose of life, and the potential for joy and growth through a Mormon lens.
• Universal Appeal: While rooted in Mormon beliefs, the book offers insights applicable to people of various faiths who ponder the nature of God and human existence.

Why should I read "The God Who Weeps"?

• Unique Perspective: It provides a fresh perspective on Mormon teachings, focusing on a compassionate and emotionally engaged God.
• Intellectual and Emotional Depth: The book combines theological reflection with personal insights, making it both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
• Broader Understanding: It offers a broader understanding of how Mormonism interprets life's purpose and challenges, which can be enlightening for both Mormons and non-Mormons.
• Inspiration and Reflection: Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and the nature of divine compassion, potentially leading to personal growth and inspiration.

What are the key takeaways of "The God Who Weeps"?

• God's Compassion: The book emphasizes that God is deeply compassionate, feeling joy and sorrow alongside humanity.
• Preexistence and Purpose: It discusses the belief in a pre-mortal existence and the purpose of life as a journey of growth and joy.
• Human Freedom and Responsibility: The authors highlight the importance of human agency and the moral responsibility that comes with it.
• Universal Salvation: The book suggests a hopeful view of salvation, where God's love and grace extend to all, with few exceptions.

How does "The God Who Weeps" explain the concept of a weeping God?

• Emotional Engagement: The book portrays God as emotionally engaged with humanity, capable of feeling deep sorrow and joy.
• Scriptural Basis: It draws on scriptural narratives, such as the story of Enoch, to illustrate God's capacity for empathy and compassion.
• Vulnerability of Love: The authors argue that God's love makes Him vulnerable to the pain and suffering of His creations.
• Divine Suffering: This concept challenges traditional views of an impassive deity, suggesting that God's suffering is a testament to His profound love.

What is the significance of preexistence in "The God Who Weeps"?

• Eternal Identity: The book posits that humans have an eternal past, existing as spirits before birth, which shapes their identity and purpose.
• Moral Freedom: Preexistence is linked to the idea of moral freedom, suggesting that humans are free agents responsible for their choices.
• Divine Relationship: It emphasizes a pre-mortal relationship with God, who chose to guide and nurture human spirits.
• Purposeful Life: The concept of preexistence provides a framework for understanding life's challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

How does "The God Who Weeps" address the problem of evil and suffering?

• Educational Purpose: The book suggests that life's challenges and suffering are part of a divine educational process for spiritual growth.
• Human Agency: It emphasizes the role of human agency in creating conditions of suffering, rather than attributing them solely to divine will.
• Divine Compassion: God's compassion is highlighted as a response to human suffering, with His tears symbolizing shared pain.
• Hopeful Resolution: The authors propose that suffering can lead to greater understanding and joy, aligning with God's ultimate plan for humanity.

What role does human agency play in "The God Who Weeps"?

• Moral Responsibility: Human agency is central to the book's message, highlighting the responsibility individuals have for their choices.
• Freedom to Choose: The authors argue that true freedom involves the ability to choose between good and evil, shaping one's destiny.
• Consequences of Actions: The book stresses that actions have consequences, which are integral to the process of learning and growth.
• Divine Support: While humans are free to choose, God's grace and support are available to help them navigate their moral journey.

How does "The God Who Weeps" view salvation?

• Universal Reach: The book presents a hopeful view of salvation, suggesting that God's love and grace extend to all, with few exceptions.
• Process of Growth: Salvation is seen as a process of growth and transformation, rather than a one-time event.
• Role of Christ's Atonement: Christ's atonement is central to the possibility of salvation, offering a way to overcome sin and achieve spiritual progress.
• Human Participation: Individuals are encouraged to actively participate in their salvation through repentance and righteous living.

What are the best quotes from "The God Who Weeps" and what do they mean?

• "The God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and He wept." This quote illustrates the book's central theme of a compassionate, emotionally engaged God.
• "We are, as reflective, thinking, pondering seekers, much like the proverbial ass of Buridan." This highlights the human struggle with choice and the importance of deliberate decision-making.
• "Our natural affections . . . are the cement of all virtuous and heavenly society." This emphasizes the importance of love and relationships in achieving a heavenly state.
• "Sin is behovely, but all shall be well." This suggests that sin and suffering are necessary for growth, but ultimately, God's plan will lead to joy and fulfillment.

How does "The God Who Weeps" interpret the story of Adam and Eve?

• Choice and Growth: The book interprets the story as a choice between competing goods, leading to growth and greater understanding.
• Courageous Decision: Eve's decision to eat the fruit is seen as a courageous step towards wisdom and experience, rather than a simple transgression.
• Temporary Exile: The authors suggest that the exile from Eden is a temporary stage in a larger plan for human development.
• Hopeful Outcome: The story is framed as a precursor to eventual joy and divine likeness, rather than a permanent fall from grace.

What is the role of relationships in "The God Who Weeps"?

• Core of Existence: Relationships are portrayed as central to human existence and the divine nature, reflecting God's relational being.
• Heavenly Society: The book envisions heaven as a continuation and perfection of earthly relationships, emphasizing love and unity.
• Family and Community: It highlights the importance of family and community as models for divine relationships and eternal connections.
• Path to Perfection: Relationships are seen as the environment in which virtues are developed and perfected, leading to spiritual growth.

How does "The God Who Weeps" address doubt and belief?

• Faith and Doubt: The book acknowledges the coexistence of faith and doubt, suggesting that both are part of the human experience.
• Meaningful Choice: It argues that doubt can lead to more meaningful choices and a deeper understanding of faith.
• Divine Patience: God's patience and willingness to support individuals in their journey of belief are emphasized.
• Hopeful Perspective: The authors encourage readers to embrace doubt as an opportunity for growth and to seek divine help in overcoming unbelief.