God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?: Reading the Old Testament as Well as We Can
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Do you find the violence in the Old Testament a problem? Does it get in the way of reading the Bible - and of faith itself? While acknowledging that there are no easy answers, in God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today, Helen Paynter faces the questions head-on and offers a fresh, accessible approach to a significant issue. For all those seeking to engage with the Bible and gain confidence in the God it portrays, she provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts, and points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence.
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- Offers a fresh approach to the issue of violence in the Old Testament
- Provides tools for reading and interpreting biblical texts
- Points to ways of dealing with the overall trajectories of violence
- The Bible as God’s word
- What is violence?
- Reading the Bible well
- Violence described
- Violence implored
- Violence against animals
- Violence as divine judgement
- Violence commanded
- Shalom: God’s great plan
Part I: Building a foundation
Part II: Unpeeling the layers
In lucid prose Helen Paynter argues that violence featured in the biblical canon should not be ignored or denied but acknowledged and faced honestly. While history is played out in a broken and often violent world the author shows how the movement of scripture is toward God’s creative intention for healing and wholeness. Without providing final answers Paynter offers ways of interpreting even the most violent passages so that we may hear God’s word for today.
—John Meredith, Editor of Word & Worship, the publication of the NZ Lay Preachers Association
A rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues.
—Peter King, Diocese of Chichester
Helen Paynter’s exploration of Old Testament ethical challenges is insightful, balanced and honest. I appreciate the fact that she does not deny divine severity while putting in perspective God's goodness. She admits that she is still wrestling and learning, as indeed I am. She humbly but boldly approaches an array of key topics and she writes with deep pastoral concern. Her treatment of the imprecatory psalms is particularly effective and illuminating. While I have a few quibbles here and there, I want to emphasize the spirit, the breadth, and the balance of this book. It sheds light on a complex and controversial subject, encouraging further conversation and deeper understanding.
—Paul Copan, Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, the author of Is God a Moral Monster?, and the co-author of Did God Really Command Genocide?
- Title: God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Reading the Old Testament As Well As We Can
- Author: Helen Paynter
- Publisher: Bible Reading Fellowship
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 176
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- ISBNs: 9780857466396, 0857466399
- Resource ID: LLS:GDVLNCYSTRDYWCN
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-02T22:10:45Z
Helen Paynter is a Baptist minister in Bristol, England, and works at Bristol Baptist College as Founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and Tutor in Biblical Studies, www.csbvbristol.org.uk.