The Bible For Normal People [Bible] Episode 300: Caroline Blyth & Emily Colgan - What to Do About Violence in the Bible
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Jun 2, 2025 In this discussion, Caroline Blyth, an expert in biblical violence, and Emily Colgan, who specializes in gender-based violence, tackle the uncomfortable reality of violence in the Bible. They explore divine violence and its historical context, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with these texts. The duo discusses the implications of biblical narratives on contemporary societal issues, urging faith communities to confront and thoughtfully interpret these challenging stories. Their insights pave the way for meaningful dialogue around faith, gender, and power dynamics.
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Diverse Violence Types in Bible
- The Bible includes various types of violence: physical, gender-based, structural, and violent language.
- These forms of violence reflect ongoing real-world issues and require serious consideration rather than dismissal.
Understanding Divine Violence
- Divine violence in the Bible often reflects ancient attempts to understand a complex and sometimes angry God.
- These narratives show God's emotional responses to Israel's circumstances, including exile and defeat.
Imperial Context Shapes Violence
- Biblical texts were composed amid violent imperial contexts and trauma.
- Divine violence can be understood as a reflection of these traumatic experiences and responses to empire.
