OnScript Daniel Hawk – The Violence of the Biblical God
May 14, 2019
Daniel Hawk, a Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, dives into the controversial topic of divine violence in Scripture. He explores the themes of violence in the Old Testament, particularly in Joshua, while emphasizing narrative criticism for deeper theological understanding. Hawk suggests that divine anger is different from human violence and discusses the historical context with insights from early church fathers like Origen. The conversation also touches on God's compassionate shift towards marginalized individuals, linking Old and New Testament portrayals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Narrative Focus on Divine Violence
- Dan Hawk situates divine violence within the biblical narrative itself rather than authorial intent or historical events.
- He explores how the biblical story shapes Christian identity and vision concerning God and violence.
Cost of Divine Relational Involvement
- God's relational nature means God works with human partners and adjusts divine action based on human input.
- This involvement draws God into human systems of violence, costing God something significant.
God's Anger and Covenant Commitment
- Divine anger in the Old Testament is closely linked to covenant violations within Israel and never directed at outsiders.
- God's anger reflects intense commitment and protective concern rather than impulsive violence.
