Dr. Paul Copan - Is God a Moral Monster?

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to unpack the arguments presented by Dr. Paul Copan regarding the question of whether God is a moral monster, specifically in the context of Old Testament ethics. By addressing criticisms from atheists, particularly Richard Dawkins, and exploring the historical and literary context of biblical texts, we aim to provide a thoughtful perspective on complex ethical questions.

Step 1: Understand the Problem of Evil

• Recognize the philosophical challenge posed by the existence of evil in a world created by a good God.
• Acknowledge that atheists, like Richard Dawkins, argue that if there is no objective moral standard, then terms like "good" and "evil" become meaningless.
• Consider how the problem of evil points to the need for a moral framework that transcends human experience.

Step 2: Contextualize Old Testament Ethical Commands

• Identify that the Old Testament commands, such as the destruction of the Canaanites, are often misunderstood without proper context.
• Understand that God’s commands were given to a specific people (the Israelites) in a unique covenant relationship.
• Recognize that the Canaanite practices included severe moral corruption, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution, which warranted divine judgment.

Step 3: Employ Literary Analysis in Scripture Interpretation

• Avoid the notion of taking the Bible literally; instead, approach it literarily, recognizing different genres such as poetry, historical narrative, and apocalyptic literature.
• Pay attention to hyperbolic language often used in ancient Near Eastern texts. For example, phrases like “leave alive nothing that breathes” may indicate exaggeration rather than a literal command for total annihilation.
• Consider the role of literary conventions in understanding the narrative of Israel's conquests.

Step 4: Recognize the Gradual Historical Context

• Understand that the conquest of Canaan was not a single event but a process that involved gradual infiltration and settlement by the Israelites.
• Be aware that archaeological evidence often supports the notion of disabling raids rather than complete destruction.
• Note instances in the text where survivors are mentioned, indicating that not all inhabitants were eradicated, which supports the interpretation of exaggeration in the biblical narrative.

Step 5: Differentiate Between Descriptive and Prescriptive Texts

• Distinguish between what is described in the Old Testament and what is prescribed by God.
• Understand that the presence of morally questionable actions in biblical accounts does not imply divine endorsement of those actions.
• Be mindful of the distinction between the ideal ethic presented in Genesis and the reality of human sin that unfolds throughout the biblical narrative.

Step 6: Address Ethical Challenges in Modern Context

• Discuss the relevance of ancient commands in today's ethical discussions by acknowledging the complexity of moral reasoning.
• Recognize that moral intuitions can evolve, and societal views on issues like sexuality and race may differ from biblical standards.
• Encourage a continuous dialogue about morality that considers both historical context and contemporary implications.

Conclusion

Dr. Paul Copan's exploration into whether God is a moral monster provides valuable insights into Old Testament ethics. By understanding the context of biblical commands, employing literary analysis, and recognizing the distinction between description and prescription, readers can engage with these complex issues more thoughtfully. As you reflect on these points, consider how they apply to contemporary moral discussions and the importance of a well-rounded perspective on ethical challenges.