Reimagining Divine Violence Through the Cross: A Conversation with Greg Boyd
Voxology
What Is the Cruciform Hermanutic Ah?
Bible is a story. It's not like a theological text book where everything has equal value, he says. Wright writes the positive case then, of how that, how that points to christ. So it's no different from detective novels or films such as 'The Sixth Sense' He argues we should read through the lens of jesus and his cross.
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
Engage with bold theology, challenge easy answers, and wrestle with the character of God in a way that invites awe and deeper faith.
Subscribe to Voxology on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. To stay part of the ongoing conversation, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @voxologypodcast.
As always, we encourage discussion as we navigate theology together. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and check out our merch and resources below!
We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV
Shop the Voxology Merch Store! ETSY
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the podcast on Patreon
Enjoy music by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
Learn more about the Voxology Podcast
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
The AI-powered Podcast Player
