Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Violence, Sexuality, and Scientific Integrity - w/ Tremper Longman III

Apr 22, 2019

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How can Christians seriously engage with science, sexuality, and the violence in the scriptures while remaining faithful to the authority of the Bible? In this insightful and honest conversation, Mike Erre is joined by Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III to discuss the hermeneutical frameworks required to address some of Christianity’s most pressing—and often divisive—topics. Drawing from his new book, Confronting Old Testament Controversies, Tremper unpacks the complexities of evolution, interpretation, LGBTQ+ inclusion, biblical violence, and how the ancient text still speaks to our modern context. This episode is both an academic and pastoral invitation to wrestle openly and faithfully with the Bible’s hardest questions.

Key Takeaways: • Scripture and Hermeneutics Matter Deeply – Misusing or misunderstanding the Old Testament through poor hermeneutics has led to destructive interpretations, from colonialism to political idolatry. • Why the Old Testament Still Matters – Tremper explains why dismissing the Old Testament creates theological gaps and ends up distorting the portrait of God found in the New Testament. • Is the Bible Anti-Science? – A deep dive into how Genesis was never meant to teach science and why a theologically responsible reading of evolution can affirm God’s creative providence. • Violence in the Bible Isn't a Problem to Erase – Tremper critiques both conservative and progressive attempts to soften or explain away divine violence, and instead frames it as essential to God’s battle against evil. • Sexuality and the Limits of Interpretation – Why Tremper argues that reinterpreting biblical texts on same-sex relationships departs from historical consensus, and how love and truth must work together. • Living in the Tension of Phase Four – Tremper outlines his “five-phase model” of God's warrior motif, highlighting how the church today lives in a nonviolent, spiritual resistance aligned with Christ’s first coming while awaiting the final victory described in Revelation.

Guest Highlights: Tremper Longman III – Renowned Old Testament scholar, retired professor at Westmont College, and author of over 30 books. His latest work, Confronting Old Testament Controversies, challenges believers to tackle real issues with theological conviction, historical awareness, and spiritual humility.

Resources Mentioned: • Confronting Old Testament Controversies by Tremper Longman III – Amazon • The BioLogos Foundation – biologos.org • Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy – [Link] • “God Is a Warrior” by Tremper Longman III and Daniel G. Reid – [Link] • Greg Boyd's "The Crucifixion of the Warrior God" – [Link] • Tim Keller on Politics and the Church – [Link] • Miroslav Volf Quote from Free of Charge – [Link]

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