In this featured article, philosopher and apologist Paul Copan addresses the question, "How Could God Command Killing the Canaanites?"
Copan explains his intent in writing the article:
"I have written a book on Old Testament ethics (Is God a Moral Monster? — forthcoming with Baker), including four chapters on the Old Testament and violence. I can only here briefly summarize my response to this perennially perplexing question. Keep in mind that I am offering an alternative to the Sunday School version of the Canaanite question.2 First, I will make a few introductory remarks. Then I will sketch out the key points as a preview of the warfare discussion in my forthcoming book."
You can read the entire article here.
For those interested in Is God a Moral Monster?, see here.
You can examine more of Copan's work here.
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Comments
http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/genocide-bible
Thanks Chad!
Then he goes onto say...
“The sweeping words like” young and old”, and “man and woman,” however, are stock expressions for totality - even if women and children were not present.”
...If that isn’t proof that the bible is the most ambiguous piece of writing ever written I don’t know what is!
So if we read the bible and it says God commanded something, we should automatically know it’s authors were using a stock expression? Of course you’ll need a PHD in “expressions used by ancient Israelites in 4000bce” to know that lol. Clearly doing all he can to squabble out of one of the most obvious moral flaws of the bible, the dreaded OT! What’s next? Let me guess... Stoning homosexuals and disobedient children to death is actually an expression for showering them with kittens and chocolates?
It's great to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Clearly doing all he can to squabble out of one of the most obvious moral flaws of the bible, the dreaded OT!
I grant you that this is certainly a possibility. However, I would encourage you not to shelve Copan’s work so quickly. After all, in this article Copan states:
I can only here briefly summarize my response to this perennially perplexing question. Keep in mind that I am offering an alternative to the Sunday School version of the Canaanite question.2 First, I will make a few introductory remarks. Then I will sketch out the key points as a preview of the warfare discussion in my forthcoming book.
Meaning, there is more to the story. Further, even in this brief, condensed article, Copan goes on to argue that even the context of some of the “dreaded OT” passages imply what he is attempting to explain.
Finally, if the so-called “moral flaws” of the Bible really bother you, I would recommend reading Copan’s book Is God a Moral Monster?.
I readily admit that there are no easy answers to these types of questions; however, I would think a more humble appraisal of the evidence would be in order before dismissing Copan’s work so hastily.
Hope you and yours are well!
Respectfully
In the interview, Copan "explores the questions of the "mean" Old Testament God, is God proud and jealous, Abraham being commanded to sacrifice Isaac, challenging Old Testament laws, slavery, and the judgment of the Canaanites."
Enjoy!
And your right, I should read the book :)
I just got speedy internet so I’m going to go on an online book buying frenzy!! I might add her to the list. Wish me luck!
peace
Jase