Band-wagon, treason, the lot: Part 5

It has been observed by my younger daughter that my blog chain "Gunpowder, band-wagon and lot" did not reach a conclusion. Having pondered this I say my conclusion is that there is no conclusion. There cannot be a conclusion. How can mortal man judge the existence or character of God? 

And that is, of course, the argument both of theist and atheist. The atheist who asks why would God hide himself behind a wall that can only be penetrated "by faith"?  The theist who will quote that:

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Isn't that the main point of that great story, the story of Job? Fundamentalists insist that Job was a real man and his story, as recounted, was literally true. Personally I find this untenable, it seems to me that it is fiction on the grand scale, a tale to top all cautionary tales. In it the unattainableness of God is repeatedly voiced, for example

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above - what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below - what can you know? Job 11:7 

and

God is clothed with awesome majesty. The Almighty - we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. Therefore men fear him. Job 37:22

My picture is a wood engraving by Gustave Doré. I have long admired his art. On one occasion my mother noticed me perusing a reprint of his superb illustrations to Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere and purchased the book for my next birthday. A book I treasured as much for her sake as for the pictures, but which got lost along with other treasures on the way to community.

(Go back to Part 4)