The Otherness of GodSample

The purpose of a peanut

George Washington Carver (1864-1943) was a Christian scientist, inventor, educator, and agricultural engineer. He tells a story of how he asked God four questions.

According to Carver, early one morning, he prayed and asked God: "Why did You create the universe?" God said, "Your question is too big. Ask for something that fits someone of your size better."

Then he asked, "Why did You create the earth?" God answered, "No, the question is still too big for your limited understanding."

He tried again, "Why did You create man?" God said, "Your small mind still wants to know too much. Ask about something that is closer to your size."

He asked again, "Why did You create the peanut?" God answered him, "That is more your size." George Carver went to his laboratory and asked God every morning, "Lord, what is Your purpose of creation with a peanut?" He found more than 300 uses for peanuts.