In a lively discussion, Greg Boyd, co-founder of Woodland Hills Church and founder of Re|Knew, dives deep into his new two-volume work on the violent depictions of God and their reconciliation with the teachings of Jesus. He explores how the cosmic conflict narrative frames the cross as the ultimate battle against evil. Boyd also addresses interpreting Scripture through the lens of cruciform hermeneutics, emphasizing God's love amidst challenges, and reflects on the implications of divine revelation for modern faith.
Greg Boyd emphasizes the importance of understanding the violent depictions of God in the Old Testament through a lens of cultural context and divine accommodation.
The podcast underscores the centrality of the crucifixion and the character of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, reshaping notions of divine violence.
Boyd promotes an open dialogue among theologians, encouraging diverse interpretations and critical reflections on scripture to enhance theological exploration.
Deep dives
Announcement of Theology Beer Camp
The episode begins with the announcement of the Theology Beer Camp event, where participants can engage in discussions and enjoy karaoke entertaining moments, led by Pete Rollins and Tripp Fuller. It is set to take place in Denver and Oklahoma City, highlighting the fun and social aspects of theological exploration. The hosts encourage interested individuals to visit the event's website and consider attending, emphasizing the importance of communal experiences in shaping one’s faith. The casual atmosphere is juxtaposed with the deeper theological conversations meant to take place at the camp.
Introduction of Gregory A. Boyd
Greg Boyd, a prominent theologian and founder of Woodland Hills Church, is featured in the podcast, where his extensive work and upcoming events are discussed. He has authored numerous books addressing topics like nonviolence and spiritual warfare, making him a significant figure in contemporary theological discourse. Boyd’s new work, 'Crucifixion of the Warrior God,' is introduced, along with the forthcoming book 'Crossvision,' which aims to present his complex ideas in a more accessible format for lay audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for believers to grapple with difficult theological ideas while staying rooted in the messages of love and grace central to the Christian faith.
The Renew Conference In Minneapolis
The hosts promote the upcoming Renew Conference, which will feature discussions surrounding Boyd's theological views, including his interpretations of the violent portraits of God in the Old Testament. This gathering serves as a platform for deeper engagement with such controversial themes, encouraging participants to explore the intersection of faith and scripture in light of Boyd’s work. The event is positioned as an opportunity for attendees to gain insight into how Old Testament narratives can inform a contemporary Christian understanding of God's character. Boyd's conference has a diverse lineup of speakers, further enriching the dialogue on these important theological issues.
The Complexity of Violence in Scripture
During the episode, Boyd engages with the complex issue of violence in the Old Testament, arguing that it cannot simply be attributed to God without critical reflection. He notes that traditional views may obscure the reality of God’s true nature, especially when understood through the lens of the crucifixion and Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence. This exploration prompts a deeper theological inquiry into the implications of divine violence and how such narratives can be reconciled with the message of love presented in the New Testament. Boyd argues for a hermeneutic that acknowledges the cultural contexts of these texts while affirming God’s fundamental nonviolent character.
The Role of Accommodation in Scriptures
Boyd discusses the theme of divine accommodation in scripture, positing that God often speaks to humanity within the cultural and moral frameworks they understand. This perspective allows for a reinterpretation of challenging passages that appear barbaric or unjust, suggesting that they reflect humanity's limitations more than God’s intentions. His view stresses that while the texts may portray violence, they must be understood within a greater narrative of God’s continuous effort to lead people toward understanding His true nature. Boyd encourages listeners to consider these texts as part of the broader revelation leading to the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus.
Encouraging Open Dialogue Among Theologians
The conversation encourages a collegiality among theologians, inviting them to engage with and challenge one another's ideas about interpretation and understanding of scripture. There is a recognition of the need for diverse voices within the theological landscape, and a distinction is made between various interpretations of violence in the Bible. By opening the floor to discussions between differing religious traditions, Boyd and the hosts promote a spirit of inquiry that values historical context, cultural influences, and scriptural truths. This approach fosters a shared exploration of faith, encouraging both intellectual and spiritual growth.
Get ready for a theology nerd fiesta with Greg Boyd. Greg is the co-founder of Woodland Hills Church, where he currently serves as senior pastor, and the founder of Re|Knew. Greg is on talking about his new, two-volume book, The Crucifixion of the Warrior God. Over two volumes, Gregory A. Boyd argues that we must take seriously the full range of Scripture as inspired, including its violent depictions of God. At the same time, he affirms the absolute centrality of the crucified and risen Christ as the supreme revelation of God.
In this episode, Tripp and Greg talk about:
how to understand the "violent God" of the Old Testament
the revelation of God and the role the cross plays in it
the role the warrior God passages played in the Roman empire
the cosmic conflict narrative, where the cross is the final battle between God and cosmic powers
plus, how we fit the demonic into our worldview today.
