Is God Selfish? A Biblical Perspective
The Bible doesn’t directly address whether God is selfish, likely because ancient cultures didn’t frame the question as modern skeptics do. Recent criticisms often portray God as egotistical—claiming He demands worship for His glory or punishes disobedience. But this view misunderstands divine perfection.
Why Humans Project Selfishness Onto God
- Selfish people resent perceived selfishness in others, while the selfless don’t.
- God, as the only perfect being, inherently deserves praise—unlike flawed humans.
- Accusations of divine selfishness stem from humanity’s desire to replace God.
God’s Creation: An Act of Love, Not Need
Before creation, the Trinity existed in complete love and sufficiency. God made humans to share His goodness, not to fill a void. Comparing Him to a “selfish parent” ignores His role as our loving Creator.
C.S. Lewis’s Insight: Designed for God
Lewis likened humans to engines meant to run on God alone: “He is the fuel our spirits were made to burn.” True fulfillment exists only in Him—not in self-rule. Despite humanity’s rebellion, Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8) proves God’s selfless love.
