God almighty!

I believe in God…almighty…

—1^st article of the Apostles’ Creed

The Bible has a violence problem. 

Genocide, infanticide, war, rape, incest, murder, you name it. If it is a violent activity, chances are you will find it in the Bible. Additionally  descriptions of God as wrathful, retributive, destructive, jealous, vindictive and waring, abound in our scriptures. This is especially, but not exclusively, true in the Hebrew scriptures (or Old Testament). Yes, the Bible is rife with violence in God’s name and even by God’s command. That said, possibly you are wondering, Is it the Bible that has a violence problem…or is it God? 

Previously I’ve pointed out that scripture consists of different voices from different time periods and different places. Yet, there are also  different schools of thought within scripture.  These schools of thought concerning God’s nature are like themes within a symphony, present just under the surface of the music, discernible here, less there, coming to the forefront here, receding to the background there. When it comes to God’s relationship to violence, there is one theme which consistently supports the idea that God is violent and wrathful -- and righteously so. The other theme resonates with a melody of God’s mercy and peace and non-violent nature. The sound of each theme is there. Each theme is considered scripture. Both cannot be true. How do we know which theme represents God?

That’s a good question. I’m glad you asked. Please hold that thought. Contemplate it. We’ll dig deeper tomorrow.