Comic's words ring true: 'God don't work like that!'
By Bishop Woodie W. White
The recent death of a noted comedian and actor was cause for reflection and mourning by many. In his early rise to fame and popularity, he was more than a little controversial. His comic material was filled with obscenities and laced with the now infamous "N" word. It is a word that no longer appears in mainstream media, but is still used carelessly in conversation by many.
He was known as well for his biting commentary on race, and his candor about life in the black community. He was said to be a brilliant comedian. He eventually moderated his standup-comic routine. He changed and so did the times. He became an actor and made many popular movies.
One of my favorite moments of hysterical enjoyment took place while watching one of his movies. In a prison scene, the actor attempted to teach his white cellmate how to give the impression to others that he was really tough -- "bad" was the term they used. I laughed so hard, long and loudly, that to this day my wife blushes remembering.
Sadly, the actor-comedian's off-stage life was equally controversial. He was addicted to drugs and involved in an episode of drug use that nearly took his life. He seemed to go from one destructive behavior to another. In time he changed.
At the height of his professional career, when he was making millions and enjoying broad-based support and recognition of his comic genius, he contracted multiple sclerosis.
It was painful to watch what the disease did to this once-so-vibrant and energetic entertainer. His body slowly and painfully deteriorated. He became less and less able to perform even simple functions, became paralyzed, and in the end could hardly speak. But his mind remained sharp and alert. Bedridden, he spent his last days pondering and reflecting.
During the weeks after his death, there was much discussion of his life and legacy. Comedians and others talked about his contribution to the world of comedy, even his contribution in helping others see racism more clearly and its negative impact on society in general, and the black community in particular.
It was during these weeks that I listened to an interview the actor gave in 1995. His voice was hardly recognizable, and he spoke with a great deal of effort. Gone was the rapid-fire speech. Now he spoke in a measured, somber manner. He spoke of life with reverence and, of course, with some considerable regret that he had squandered so much of his own.
The interviewer asked a probing question. She noted his rather well-publicized life of debauchery and self-destruction. And she asked if he ever considered his physical deterioration God's response to such unholy living. The actor, without hesitation and in a calm, sure voice said, "Oh, no, God don't work like that!"
A profound answer to a profound question.
It is of course an age-old question. How does God act and react to the created order? How does God express disappointment, hurt or -- some would suggest -- anger? Indeed, what does God do to get our attention? How does God say "No," or "Enough"?
I suppose there are those who would say that God does indeed work that way, that misconduct results in God's vengeance, retaliation or what might be called divine retribution. It can be expressed against people as well as nations. One well-known evangelist recently suggested it could be expressed against those with a particular political-party affiliation!
In the course of time, those stricken with a dreaded disease or malady may wonder if it resulted from some long-ago, secret sin. That God is expressing dissatisfaction with those distant misdeeds. Some wonder about present suffering as well. Even death itself.
In the face of catastrophic tragedy, suffering and loss, or destruction of complete cities or villages, where thousands or tens of thousands are killed in a matter of minutes, one might ask, "Is this the rage of an angry God?"
Indeed, there are those who suffer from birth to death. Each day is filled with agony. Could this be God's doing?
Though I find most explanations to suffering are inadequate -- even my own explanations -- I continue to ponder about much that I do not understand. However, the thought of an angry God unleashing indiscriminate, horrific catastrophe on cities and communities, or "zapping" someone with cancer or AIDS is unthinkable.
So I believe the once-irreverent comedian/actor had it right. "God don't work like that!"
Copyright 2006 United Methodist Reporter. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Retired United Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White currently serves as bishop-in-resident at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Ga.