Friedrich Nietzsche, the famous German philosopher and powerful critic of Christianity made the statement:
“After Buddha was dead, his shadow was still shown for centuries in a cave – a tremendous, gruesome shadow. God is dead; but given the way of men, there may still be caves for thousands of years in which his shadow will be shown. And we—we still have to vanquish his shadow, too.”
The Gay Science
In this book, “The Gay Science,” he wrote a story called “The Parable of the Madman.” He writes of a madman mocking the existence of God, and ends it with the statement that the GREATEST DEED in the history of mankind is the killing of God. Indeed, when reading this passage, it makes me wonder what he knew about the God I know—if anything. In this story, the madman ridicules God, saying:
“Where has God gone?” he cried. “I shall tell you. We have killed him – you and I. We are his murderers. But how have we done this? How were we able to drink up the sea? Who gave us the sponge to wipe away the entire horizon? What did we do when we unchained the earth from its sun? Do we not feel the breath of empty space? Has it not become colder? Must not lanterns be lit in the morning? Do we not hear anything yet of the noise of the gravediggers who are burying God? Do we not smell anything yet of God’s decomposition? Gods too decompose. God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we, murderers of all murderers, console ourselves? That which was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet possessed has bled to death under our knives. Who will wipe this blood off us? With what water could we purify ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we need to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we not ourselves become gods simply to be worthy of it? There has never been a greater deed; and whosoever shall be born after us – for the sake of this deed he shall be part of a higher history than all history hitherto.“
Isn’t it ironic that Nietzsche, who described the madman as someone who exulted in the killing of God, ALSO became a madman? Before he was 50 years old, Nietzsche collapsed in the streets of Turin, Italy, having completely lost control of his mental faculties. But, in his defense, it’s not hard to see how AND why Nietzsche became disenchanted with “Christianity.” Nietzsche was raised in an intensely legalistic religious family and likely never saw anyone with a true relationship with God. Later, disillusioned with religion, he became an atheist who saw the traditions of Christianity as downright repressive. Unfortunately, so much of the so-called “Christian” religion suppresses any semblance of the true God described by the Bible.
In fact, most religions have created a god that frightens people into obeisance and promises nothing but a life of misery and uncertainty.
For example, Allah, the god of Islam requires followers to comply with five tenants in order just be considered for entrance into paradise. And—the only way to GUARANTEE heaven is through an act of Jihad. What kind of “god” would require murder to gain paradise? I’d estimate that most of the earth’s religions require good works to gain paradise; and sadly—there is NO set standard for knowing how much one must do—to earn it. These religious systems inculcate fear, and allow those in leadership to extort their followers. This atmosphere breeds judgmentalness, selfishness, and harshness. Who wants any of that???
I imagine this is the type of “god” Neitzsche saw; and—I fear that this is the “god” that 95% of the world is seeing.
But—the “god” Neitzsche envisioned, is NOT how GOD describes Himself in His Word. [I wonder how Neitzsche would have liked being defined by people who never knew him!] If he had truly known God through receiving HIS GIFT OF SALVATION, he would have EXPERIENCED Almighty God, who is the embodiment of love! Read on to see what GOD says about WHO He is, and what HE wants to do for humanity:
“God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Have you ever known THIS God, who
supplies all your needs;
desires to give you a future full of hope;
desires to strengthen you, help you, uphold you;
works all things for good for you; AND…
thought you were worth dying for???
God’s true followers know Him as—the very fountain of real love. (1 John 4:8) Ah, my friend, God is NOT dead! How do we know?
If God were dead, then love, too, would be dead.
God is very much alive. He longs to give you a relationship of love that is powerful and meaningful. Seek Him—He will be found!
“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…”
Jeremiah 29:12-13
“Behold, today is the day of salvation.”
II Corinthians 6:2
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