OnScript Matt Lynch – Flood and Fury (on Old Testament Violence)
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Sep 6, 2023 Matt Lynch, Expert on Old Testament violence, joins Chris Tilling to discuss approaches to dealing with Old Testament violence. They explore Marcion's rejection of the Old Testament, the divine command theory, the progressive revelation model, and the view of the cross as the ultimate revelation of God. Plus, they engage in lighthearted conversations about a playful night in college, comparing Canada and the UK, book recommendations, and the significance of the Hill of Foreskins and Joshua's encounter with the sword-wielding man.
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Violence as Theological Lens
- The problem of violence in the Bible offers a fruitful occasion to explore multiple theological issues.
- Matt Lynch approaches the issue to understand how the Bible itself wrestles with violent texts as a problem.
Old Testament Violence Challenges
- Marcion rejected the Old Testament due to its violent God depiction, but this undermines the New Testament's integrity.
- Divine command theory claims God's commands define justice but risks disconnecting God's justice from human ethics.
Exegetical Patience and Trinitarian Reading
- Lynch endorses reading Old Testament scripture slowly and with openness to being surprised.
- He advocates interpreting these texts toward Jesus within a Trinitarian framework rather than imposing preconceptions.