I like your premise about the importance of stories, but Bo? For me this story is painfully problematic. God hardens Pharoah’s heart? the plagues on the Egyptians? the “borrowing” of Egyptians jewels? The death of their first born? I’m unable to treasure a story such as this.
Definitely some problematic elements. As far as the hardening piece, I think I have come around to squaring it as a joint effort of the human and divine partnership. I'm not sure Pharaoh didn't have a hand in his own hardening in a way that led God to mete out further hardenings. Doesn't make it any less painful to read but that's where I stand. The rest of it is definitely a challenge.
I like your premise about the importance of stories, but Bo? For me this story is painfully problematic. God hardens Pharoah’s heart? the plagues on the Egyptians? the “borrowing” of Egyptians jewels? The death of their first born? I’m unable to treasure a story such as this.
Definitely some problematic elements. As far as the hardening piece, I think I have come around to squaring it as a joint effort of the human and divine partnership. I'm not sure Pharaoh didn't have a hand in his own hardening in a way that led God to mete out further hardenings. Doesn't make it any less painful to read but that's where I stand. The rest of it is definitely a challenge.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! So glad it resonated.