Fantastic post. Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed explanation. I hope my response doesn't anger you. But, I suppose that's godly behavior. (in the common view) We call it righteous indignation.
Not a trace of that - I conclude that you are well meant at heart - but struggle with what His book says about Him.
Granted... However, he did create us in his image, his likeness. We are his children, he is Father God. While he is, as you say: "He is Holy 'other'", we are much like him.
It seems to me that this idea that "his ways are above knowing" is used to white-wash some very bad doctrine. IMHO
Born in corruption and subject to the wrong kingdom until we are born again. Doesn't sound much like His Holiness.
I go the opposite direction on this one. Interesting how a preconception reverses the conclusion. It is assumed that God is vengeful when we read "vengeance is mine, I will repay." But if revenge is a sin, is it not also a sin for God? Does God have carte blanche to misbehave in ways we are not allowed to? What then is godly behavior? Wouldn't we be demonstrating godly behavior to take revenge? (nope)
Revenge is a sin - taking over God's responsibility.
In the same way I am uncomfortable with the modern trend in some churches to command God to do stuff.
Your concept of God seems to be rather limited because your have for some reason deeply needed the kind face.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies because this is godly behavior. What then will God do with his enemies?
Matthew 5:44, 48 NIV
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ...
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect
In civil life this is appropriate - in war is a different matter. Waring against sin in civil life is His work not ours. We war not against flesh and blood.
I'm guessing you meant woefully MISunderstood?
Both meanings are OK... - think poorly understood...
He lives in inapproachable light. But does this mean he is made of blazing fury? Why is so angry with the way he created us? Are we really to blame for that? Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw.
You seem to confuse anger and holiness.
There it is again. The carte blanche latitude that we give God. He can do no wrong. Genocide for the Canaanites? No problem. Non-Christians burning in hell forever? Who cares? Just be glad it's not you.
Therefore, all the bad things the church says that he will do... who will be able stop him? Best to just roll with the punches.
Again your concept of God is that He can make mistakes ???
If "Sinfulness and Holiness don't mix" how could anyone meet him, or have fellowship? Didn't Satan talk to God in the book of Job?
How come "we deserve zero"? (or worse) Are we not his children. Does God make broken pottery? Or some to be on a vase on a pedestal and others to be a toilet? That's quite a view. If I am understanding you. (hopefully not)
No one can - this underlines His compassion by sending Jesus.
Satan is a fallen being under covenant until judgement - powerless in God's presence.
Yes we are God's children but fully undeserving.
Paul answered much of your questioning in the verse in Romans 9 as follows...
20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed
it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22
What if God, willing to shew
his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
I have been in a long journey to assimilate all of scripture without contradiction or awkwardness - the peace that comes with this is priceless.
But I had a head start for two reasons - my mind was blown by drugs and such so structures of thinking most folks have were blown away so He had a cleaner slate than most. And secondly He graciously showed up in His Holiness more than once, so I am deeply respectful and in awe of Him.