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)

Does Job fear God for nothing?

I find this accusation made by Satan in the ancient story of Job very poignant. Later in the story Job answers this taunt with "Though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him". Sunday School theology teaches us that if you give your heart to the Lord you will be saved. Further analysis of the Bible, and indeed bitter experience, tells me that I cannot necessarily expect anything in return for my supposed allegiance to God.

But this leaves me with a problem. If my faith in God never has any result then how do I know that it is valid or is doing any good? It would be like habitually doing exercise but it never having any effect on one's body. At some point one is likely to throw in the towel and try a different course.

In the parable of the talents the Lord goes away to a "far country" for a "long time" during which his servants are expected to "trade" i.e. make profitable use of what he has given them. When eventually the Lord returns the servant who threw in the towel is "cast into outer darkness" a state which I gather is not to be recommended. Of course anyone who takes this parable seriously will want the commendation "well done, good and faithful servant" - but just how long am I prepared to wait for this?

Perhaps Jesus pre-empted my dichotomy when, talking about the end times, he remarked that only those that endure to the end will be saved and saying of Thomas the doubter (with whom I can identify): Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.