How the cruciform hermeneutic reshapes our understanding of violent images of God in the Old Testament and reveals the unwavering beauty of Jesus at the center of the biblical narrative. In this intellectually rich and deeply spiritual installment of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara sit down with Dr. Greg Boyd, theologian, pastor of Woodland Hills Church, and author of the provocative multi-volume work “The Crucifixion of the Warrior God.” Together, they dive into the theological tensions many believers face when trying to reconcile the loving character of Jesus with the violent portrayals of God throughout Scripture.
Dr. Boyd introduces his cruciform hermeneutic—a way of reading the Bible through the lens of the cross—and explains how these deeply troubling Old Testament passages don't dilute the beauty of God but instead reflect God's willingness to bear the distorted human perceptions of Him to ultimately reveal His self-sacrificial love.
Key Takeaways: • The Cruciform Hermeneutic – Why the cross is the ultimate lens for interpreting the entire Bible and how Jesus unveils the true nature of God—not one facet among many, but the full revelation. • God as a Sin-Bearing Deity – Exploring how God suffers with and for humanity by allowing Himself to be portrayed in ways that reflect the fallen understanding of ancient cultures. • Three Flawed Approaches to Divine Violence – Breaking down the categories of synthesis, softening, and dismissal, and why each fails to do justice to the inspired nature of Scripture and the cross-centered revelation of God. • Reading Through the Mask – How even disturbing passages like God commanding genocide or the parting of the Red Sea point toward Christ when re-read through the lens of divine withdrawal, cosmic conflict, and redemptive intent. • Reframing Revelation’s Warrior Jesus – Why the blood-soaked imagery in Revelation is not a contradiction of Christ’s peaceable nature but a subversion of violent triumphalism through sacrificial love.
Guest Highlights: Dr. Greg Boyd – Pastor, theologian, and author of The Crucifixion of the Warrior God and Cross Vision. Greg's groundbreaking theological work invites Christians to re-examine how Scripture portrays God’s character, encouraging a move beyond flat readings of the Bible toward a dynamic, Christ-centered understanding. A drummer and metalhead, Greg brings both scholarly depth and a distinct joy to the conversation.
Resources Mentioned: • Crucifixion of the Warrior God by Greg Boyd – Amazon Link • Cross Vision by Greg Boyd (Popular Summary) – Amazon Link • ReKnew.org – Greg Boyd’s theological writings and resources: reknew.org • Woodland Hills Church – whchurch.org • Apologies & Explanations podcast with Greg Boyd – Short theological responses available via ReKnew or YouTube • Reunion by Bruxy Cavey – A clear, simple gospel presentation rooted in the kingdom message Amazon Link
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
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