Confronting the Violence in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is full of violence- isn’t it?

The God of the Old Testament is vengeful and wrathful- isn’t he? This course will tackle some of the hardest Old Testament texts and ask the question; can we love the Old Testament and believe in the goodness of God.

The Flood… the sacrifice of animals… the conquest of Canaan… the rape of the Levite’s concubine… the violent prayers of the psalmist. Violence permeates the Old Testament. Is it possible to believe in the goodness of God without rejecting the Old Testament? These are big questions, and there are no final answers, but it is not true that we must throw up our hands in defeat. Careful, thoughtful and honest exploration can shed helpful light on even the most difficult of these texts.
In this one-day course, Baptist minister and Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence Helen Paynter will lead us through some of the more problematic passages of the Hebrew Bible, and will help us to wrestle honestly with them. Along the way, she will highlight ways in which they might be dealt with in a pastorally helpful way in our churches.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)