Is God a Moral Monster?
by Paul Copan | Book Summary
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Author: Paul Copan
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Most of these plausible explanations relate to an understanding of the cultural moment in which the Old Testament was initially written. With greater insight into the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, the reader begins to see the bigger picture of a God who is far more gracious than monstrous and who is far more concerned with protecting the vulnerable than exploiting or being violent toward anyone. One must also realize that the Old Testament merely serves as part of the grander narrative arc of Scripture, which finds its ultimate fulfillment and climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This central truth helps the reader to view God's claims and commands through the lens of the fulfillment of His promises that are all answered fully in Jesus Christ.
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Paul Copan (PhD, philosophy, Marquette University) is Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Active in the apologetic and philosophical sectors of theology, Copan has authored numerous other books, including: When God Goes to Starbucks and True for You, But Not for Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith.
He has also served on numerous editorial boards, working with famed scholars like Tremper Longman III, Robertson McQuilkin, and William Lane Craig, editing works such as An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom and Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science.
Is God a Moral Monster?
by Paul Copan
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Paul Copan |
| Publisher | Baker Books |
| Date | 2011 |
| Pages | 256 |
Overview:
Many people struggle with some of the trickier moral quandaries presented by the various and somewhat confusing commands and standards called for in the Old Testament. "Plausible, sober-minded explanations and angles that present helpful resolutions and responses to perplexing Old Testament ethics questions" (p. 11) are possible if we search for them.
Most of these plausible explanations relate to an understanding of the cultural moment in which the Old Testament was initially written. With greater insight into the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, the reader begins to see the bigger picture of a God who is far more gracious than monstrous and who is far more concerned with protecting the vulnerable than exploiting or being violent toward anyone.
One must also realize that the Old Testament merely serves as part of the grander narrative arc of Scripture, which finds its ultimate fulfillment and climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This central truth helps the reader to view God's claims and commands through the lens of the fulfillment of His promises that are all answered fully in Jesus Christ.
Paul Copan (PhD, philosophy, Marquette University) is Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Active in the apologetic and philosophical sectors of theology, Copan has authored numerous other books, including: When God Goes to Starbucks and True for You, But Not for Me: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith.
He has also served on numerous editorial boards, working with famed scholars like Tremper Longman III, Robertson McQuilkin, and William Lane Craig, editing works such as An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom and Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science.