Is God a Moral Monster? How can I make sense of the OT God? with Dr. Paul Copan - Podcast Episode 92

Introduction

This tutorial explores the complexities surrounding the portrayal of God in the Old Testament, particularly as discussed by Dr. Paul Copan in a podcast. It addresses common misconceptions and tough questions about God's nature and actions in the Old Testament, providing a framework for understanding these issues from a biblical perspective.

Step 1: Understanding God's Nature in the Old and New Testaments

• Recognize that the God of the Old Testament is not fundamentally different from the God of the New Testament.
• Understand that God engages with humanity within specific historical and cultural contexts.
• Note that the Old Testament depicts God aligning with a nation, which involves:
  • Political power
  • Warfare
  • Civic punishments
• In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes God's love through Jesus, who interacts with society from the margins and embodies kindness.

Step 2: Addressing Misconceptions About Misogyny in the Old Testament

• Acknowledge that claims of misogyny in the Old Testament can be misleading.
• Focus on the fundamental equality of men and women as created in God's image.
• Highlight examples of strong female figures in the Old Testament, such as:
  • Deborah (a judge)
  • Ruth (a virtuous woman)
  • Esther (a courageous leader)
• Discuss the concept of "heterarchy" proposed by scholars, indicating that women had distinct roles and autonomy in ancient Israel.

Step 3: Interpreting Harsh Laws and Punishments

• Understand the cultural context of the Old Testament laws, recognizing they were given for a specific purpose in a particular time.
• Discuss that laws such as the death penalty for disobedience were rarely enforced and served more as deterrents.
• Clarify that:
  • The intention was to guide the Israelites towards redemptive behavior.
  • Many punishments could be commuted to fines or other forms of restitution.

Step 4: Grappling with Warfare and Divine Commands

• Examine the context of warfare in the Old Testament, especially regarding the Canaanites and the Amalekites.
• Acknowledge that God's commands for destruction were not based on ethnic hatred but were responses to extreme wickedness, including:
  • Incest
  • Bestiality
  • Child sacrifice
• Note the hyperbolic language often used in ancient texts, where terms like "utterly destroyed" were common rhetoric rather than literal accounts.

Step 5: Understanding the Purpose Behind Warfare

• Discuss that God's commands for warfare aimed to prevent the corrupting influences of surrounding nations on Israel.
• Emphasize that God had a redemptive plan for all nations, and His actions were ultimately aimed at establishing a covenant people through whom salvation would come.
• Highlight that the opportunity for peace was offered to the Canaanites, as seen in the stories of Rahab and the Gibeonites.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the nature of God and the context of His commands in the Old Testament requires a nuanced approach that considers historical, cultural, and literary factors. By acknowledging the complexities of these issues, readers can better reconcile their faith with the biblical narrative. For further exploration, consider reading Dr. Paul Copan's books, "Is God a Moral Monster?" and his forthcoming "Is God a Vindictive Bully?" to deepen your understanding of these challenging topics.