Thanks for the clear and well written thoughts. I meant to write a response days ago but got sidetracked. But I'd like to keep the discussion going, so I'll make a short version.
The word "jealous" has come to connote a childlike envy and a generally irrational response. I don't think that's the idea it was intended to portray in the bible. Rather, it's a feeling of ire at the injustice of a situation. It's often likened to the jealousy of a spouse - they rightly claim exclusivity and are angered at the betrayal of the other.
The ant farm analogy is interesting, but I think it's flawed in that the owner hasn't created the ants nor imbued them with the ability to appreciate/worship/etc. If you had created the ants, given them the ability to respond to you, taken care of them, fed them, etc., and then saw them go and worship your cat, you might be a little pissed. This is closer to what I think the idea with god is, but it's still dangerously tending toward anthropomorphizing god.
However you choose to interpret jealousy, it's still not something we associate with benevolent rulers. Benevolent rulers do not torture and kill most of their population whether or not they feel parental toward them.
Creation doesn't change the circumstances, either. I had a hand in creating my children but I'd never in a million years torture or kill them for disobedience. When a creature is dependent on me for food, shelter and support I am responsible to it no matter how it behaves toward me. The ants in my farm do not deserve to be wiped out by a flood because they behaved against my wishes.
Thanks for the clear and well written thoughts. I meant to write a response days ago but got sidetracked. But I'd like to keep the discussion going, so I'll make a short version.
The word "jealous" has come to connote a childlike envy and a generally irrational response. I don't think that's the idea it was intended to portray in the bible. Rather, it's a feeling of ire at the injustice of a situation. It's often likened to the jealousy of a spouse - they rightly claim exclusivity and are angered at the betrayal of the other.
The ant farm analogy is interesting, but I think it's flawed in that the owner hasn't created the ants nor imbued them with the ability to appreciate/worship/etc. If you had created the ants, given them the ability to respond to you, taken care of them, fed them, etc., and then saw them go and worship your cat, you might be a little pissed. This is closer to what I think the idea with god is, but it's still dangerously tending toward anthropomorphizing god.
However you choose to interpret jealousy, it's still not something we associate with benevolent rulers. Benevolent rulers do not torture and kill most of their population whether or not they feel parental toward them.
Creation doesn't change the circumstances, either. I had a hand in creating my children but I'd never in a million years torture or kill them for disobedience. When a creature is dependent on me for food, shelter and support I am responsible to it no matter how it behaves toward me. The ants in my farm do not deserve to be wiped out by a flood because they behaved against my wishes.