While researching Jesus Loves Canaanites, I came across some truly abhorrent defenses of biblical genocide in general and pedicide in particular. For example, Christian apologists claimed that the Canaanites were evil squatters, that they were like cancer, and that killing infants would actually be a merciful act. So it should be no surprise that I devoted […]
biblical violence
Can Skeptical Theism Save Biblical Violence?
According to skeptical theism, God could have reasons to allow evil and suffering in the world that we cannot even imagine. If our reasoning is so limited in this area, could it also be limited in understanding the nature of morality? ?
Killing Canaanites? Debriefing the Copan/Rauser Debate
In this post-debate debrief, I review one key section of my debate with Paul Copan and explain how his view of Joshua entails that Israelites targeted and killed an indiscriminate number of Canaanite civilians. ?
If an Atheist Asks About Biblical Violence DON’T SAY THIS!
The Bible depicts God commanding and commending apparent moral atrocities. So what do we say in response? Well for starters, don’t say this! ?
Debating the Canaanite Genocide with Paul Copan
I think this is my eleventh appearance on “Unbelievable” with Justin Brierley. It was also one of the most enjoyable and lively debates in which I’ve had the privilege to participate. ?
Biblical Violence, Moral Relativism?
When David beheaded Goliath, he violated rule 113 of customary international humanitarian law which prohibits the mutilation of corpses in war. Interestingly, that was never addressed when I learned the story in Sunday school. I know what you’re thinking: “That’s anachronistic! You can’t judge an earlier action by a later law!” But I’m less interested […]
Atheist Edge Debate Debrief and Dialogue
Yesterday, I appeared back on the Atheist Edge YouTube Channel to debrief my recent debate with Richard Carrier. The host Kaz brought a range of questions and arguments to the discussion. ?
Did God Command Genocide? An Interview on Capturing Christianity
Delighted to appear on Capturing Christianity today to talk about the problem of biblical genocide.
Biblical Violence: A Friendly Debate with Richard Carrier
On July 31, 2022, I debated Richard Carrier on the problem of biblical violence. The debate was hosted by the Atheist Edge YouTube channel. It was only available to subscribers for five weeks, but here is the world premiere for the masses! Check it out! ?
Speaking to Abraham’s Silence: A Review
J. Richard Middleton. Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God. Baker Academic, 2021. The binding (Aqedah) of Isaac is one of the most troubling stories in all Scripture. And it is not hard to see why. The story depicts God commanding a father to butcher […]
Why God Did Not Command the Slaughter of the Canaanites, Briefly Explained
This article provides a brief synopsis of a case explaining why God did not command the slaughter of the Canaanites. It is based on a debate opening statement that I gave last year. And it provides an introduction to some of the arguments I develop at length in Jesus Loves Canaanites. “Slaughter” is defined as the […]
The Limits of Defending Biblical Violence By Appealing to a Big, Wild, and Dangerous God
Over the years, I have seen many Christians attempt to address problems of divinely sanctioned biblical violence by reframing them as virtues: in short, the bug is a feature. How so? On this re-narration, the problem of biblical violence should remind us that God is big and wild and dangerous. This offers an essential chastening […]
Seven Things I Wish Every Christian Knew About the Bible: A Review
Michael Bird. Seven Things I Wish Every Christian Knew About the Bible. Zondervan, 2021. Seven Things is an introduction to the Bible written by Anglican priest and New Testament scholar Michael Bird. The book is written in seven chapters addressing origins (chapter 1), inspiration and inerrancy (chapter 2), authority (chapter 3), the cultural distance between the biblical […]
My Debate With Aron Ra
My debate with Aron Ra is now available for your viewing pleasure. It was a cracking exchange that ranged widely over concepts like worldview, epistemology, the ethics of discourse, and yes, biblical violence. ?
