Paul Copan - Is God a Vindictive Bully? Reconciling Portrayals of God in the Old and New Testaments

Old Testament violence continues to be a thorny, painful, and faith-damaging issue for many Christians today. Among the voices attempting to address the questions, one of the most prominent is that of Paul Copan. We can expect anything that comes from his desk to be serious, rigorous, and honest. Is God a Vindictive Bully? is no exception. It will be helpfuleven redemptivefor many who wrestle with these questions. And while not all will wholly agree with him, it will be one of the go-to books on the subject for years to come.

Helen Paynter , Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, Bristol Baptist College

Serious criticisms are often made of the Old Testament in general and of its portrayal of God in particular. These criticisms come both from within the church and from without. Copan here subjects these criticisms to careful scrutiny, testing them against the claims of the Old Testament. He finds that when we read the Old Testament with attention to its time and context, these criticisms are misplaced. Rather, the Old Testament is consistent with the New in revealing a God who is prepared to get involved with the mess of life and bring redemption. A careful and reflective work, this is important reading for thinking Christians who want to understand why the Old Testament matters for their faith.

David G. Firth , Trinity College, Bristol

In this very important and much-needed volume, Copan does a marvelous job of dealing with arguments that would introduce a separation between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. With erudition he skillfully answers critics from without and, unfortunately, critics from within who advocate for this harmful dichotomy. I am extremely grateful for this faithful defense of the repeated affirmation in the New Testament that the God portrayed in the Old Testament is, indeed, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jerry E. Shepherd , Taylor Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta (emeritus)

Can a God of love command an adulterers execution? Copan explores this and many other objections to biblical texts. By careful reading he shows how biblical writings consistently present a single God, gracious and just. Questions and doubts current today are often superficial and unbalanced. Here are clear, well-founded answers for Christian believers.

Alan Millard , University of Liverpool (emeritus)

Many recent studies on the Bibles portrayal of divine violence attempt to resolve the canons dissonances with categorical templates or through hermeneutical sleight of hand. Copan, however, refuses the path of least interpretive resistance and opts instead to take the tensive thickness of the Bibles testimony head on. Informed by careful reading and with due attention to contexts and nuances, he offers a study on the topic that is both encyclopedic in scope and thorough in its treatment of particularly problematic texts. Readers will find much to ponder in this important contribution to an urgent conversation.

L. Daniel Hawk , Ashland Theological Seminary

At a time when the credibility of the Bible and the character of God are being questioned by critics outside of the Christian community and by some within it, this book offers thoughtful, biblically credible, and theologically convincing answers. Furthermore, Copan exposes the fallacies of the Bibles detractors, as well as the flaws of their readings of the Bible and the ignorance of their conclusions.

James K. Hoffmeier , Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (emeritus)

Do you have a problem with something, or a lot of things, in the Old Testament? Copan has provided a virtual encyclopedia of helpful answers to frequently asked questions that trouble many readers. He tackles a whole range of objections that arise both from those who claim broad Christian allegiance to the Bible as a whole and from those who make no such claim whatsoever and use the Old Testament as a major reason for their hostility. This is a thoroughly detailed reference work that those of us who teach or preach the Old Testament will turn to frequently, or point others to, when such questions are aired. An excellent resource indeed!

Christopher J. H. Wright , Langham Partnership; author of Old Testament Ethics for the People of God

Copans work speaks to current voices that assert the Old Testaments depiction of God is highly problematic or at odds with the New Testament. He engages critics from outside the faith who with vindictive glee mischaracterize the Old Testaments presentation of God. He addresses critics from within who jettison the hard parts of the Old Testament or assert its depiction of God is in error. Gods people are often confused by and suspicious of the Old Testament, wondering how it aligns with Jesus; these conversations are pressing for my seminary students and for local pastors and congregations. Copan provides a valuable resource in accessible language that speaks with informed conviction and with grace. In a time when the Old Testaments necessary role in Christian faith is attacked and undermined, Copans work serves the good of the church. I highly recommend it for all whose faith seeks understanding.

Lissa M. Wray Beal , Providence Theological Seminary, Otterburne, Manitoba