The Bible in Context
I have wrestled with many theological challenges, but one that has been especially perplexing is this: How can God seemingly support so much violence in the Old Testament while Christ—the perfect representation of God—taught and practiced nonviolence in the New Testament? To put the matter simply: Is God violent or nonviolent? I know some may … Read more
Violence is universally condemned. Parents around the world teach their children not to punch, kick, and bite. Countries have laws against battery and abuse. And international organizations promote peace between nations. So what do we do with all the violence in Scripture? I find it helpful to step back and look at the whole biblical … Read more
For the first time in my life I have been watching what I eat. I should have started earlier, but my weight has never been a major issue. At my heaviest I weighed ten pounds more than my high school weight. For the past month I have stopped eating meat and almost all animal products. … Read more
The Bible can be used to support anything. But how could people possibly use it to support kidnapping Africans at gunpoint, putting them on ships in repulsive conditions, selling them in the marketplace, and enslaving them for life? This is one of the most disturbing things in the history of Bible interpretation: Americans prior to … Read more
What do you know about God and how do you know it? Did your reason lead you to a general idea about God? Did your study of world history, philosophy, or even theology point you to God? Listen to these words from Karl Barth (1886-1968): “Apart from and without Jesus Christ we can say nothing … Read more