God's Monsters: Divine Beings and Violence in Ancient Texts

The chapter explores the intertwining of gods and monsters in ancient cultures, particularly in the Hebrew Bible era, where divine beings were often depicted using their powers for violent and manipulative purposes. It discusses how the portrayal of God as fearsome and powerful differs from the modern perception of a benevolent deity, shedding light on the presence of horror stories in biblical narratives. The conversation delves into the depiction of angels as warriors for God, capable of both delivering messages of peace and wreaking havoc and destruction as commanded.