Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything #229 - Making Sense of Old Testament Violence

Release Date: October 17, 2024
Host: Tom Wright, in conversation with theologian Greg Boyd
Presented by: Premier Unbelievable? in partnership with SPCK and NTWrightOnline

1. Introduction and Context

The episode begins with Tom Wright welcoming listeners to a replay of "Ask NT Wright Anything," where he revisits archival discussions to address listeners' questions on theology and faith. The primary focus of this episode is the challenging subject of violence in the Old Testament, a frequent point of contention among skeptics and critics of Christianity.

2. Decoupling the Old Testament from the New: Andy Stanley's Proposal

Listeners Gray from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Alex from Los Angeles pose a question concerning Andy Stanley, a prominent megachurch pastor. Stanley argues that Christianity can be maintained without reliance on the Old Testament, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of faith.

Gray asks:

"...Andy Stanley... has recently published a book and given multiple talks to church leaders about the need for Christians to unhitch their faith from the Old Testament... What do you think about this proposal? Is this pseudo Marcionism?"
(02:52)

Greg Boyd responds by drawing parallels to Marcionism, a 2nd-century heresy that posited the Old Testament God as distinct from the New Testament God. Boyd explains that early Christian writings, particularly by Paul, heavily integrate Old Testament scriptures to articulate the significance of Jesus' resurrection. He emphasizes that attempting to separate the Old Testament from Christian faith overlooks the foundational role these scriptures play in the theological framework of Christianity.

"Paul himself, when he sums up his gospel in 1 Corinthians 15... he draws on Psalm 110, Psalm 8, Psalm 2... bringing together scriptural resources from Isaiah etc. So saying you can uncouple, that's pretty difficult."
(04:37)

Boyd cautions against such separation, likening it to an incomplete contract where essential elements are discarded, thereby undermining the integrity of the faith.

3. The Historicity of the Exodus

Stew from Australia inquires about the historical accuracy of the Exodus narrative, referencing Richard Friedman's theory that perhaps only the Levites escaped Egypt, challenging the traditional view of two million Israelites migrating to Canaan.

"Do you think 2 million plus Israelites escaped Egypt and entirely replaced the local Canaanite locals? Do you think the number might have been less? Was it just the Levites?"
(06:27)

Greg Boyd acknowledges the complexity of the topic, admitting his limited expertise in ancient history. He suggests that while the Exodus account is rich in theological and literary elements, it should not be dismissed as purely mythical. Instead, it should be understood as a narrative that conveys the identity and formative experiences of the Israelite people. Boyd emphasizes the importance of viewing the Pentateuch as a cohesive story rather than a literal historical account, highlighting the enduring significance of themes like rescue, law, and covenant.

"The focus is on rescue and law and presence and the rescue from Egypt... how that got there, if there wasn't an Exodus, I have no idea."
(07:07)

4. Old Testament Warfare and Violence: The Conquest of Canaan

The core of the episode delves into the contentious passages of warfare and violence in the Old Testament, particularly the conquest of Canaan. Cockburn from Tacoma, Washington, raises a poignant question:

"What are your thoughts on the conquest of Canaan and the instructions from God to his people to kill women and children in the process?... How do you reconcile this what looks like genocide with the mission of God's people being to love and serve the world?"
(11:02)

Greg Boyd addresses this by exploring the broader narrative of the Bible rather than treating the Old Testament as isolated moral directives. He posits that the violence depicted is not prescriptive but descriptive of a particular historical and theological context. Boyd suggests that understanding these accounts requires recognizing the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where divine commands served specific purposes within that framework.

"It's not a matter of... the Old Testament says it's okay to do genocide and then Jesus says it isn't... you have to understand the whole story... the cross is never meant to be a comfortable thing."
(16:13)

Boyd further explains that the narrative of violence is intertwined with themes of rebellion, stewardship, and divine justice. He emphasizes that the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection offers a lens through which to reinterpret and understand these challenging Old Testament passages, highlighting God's enduring commitment to redemption and transformation rather than vindictiveness.

"God makes creation... humans are reflecting God's stewardship... When humans rebel, God doesn't abandon His plan but continues to engage with humanity."
(16:13)

5. Hermeneutical Approaches: Greg Boyd's "Crucifixion of the Warrior God"

The conversation shifts to Greg Boyd's methodological approach in his two-volume work, "Crucifixion of the Warrior God." Listeners like Pamela, Marty, and Ron present their interpretations of Boyd's thesis, which suggests that the violent Old Testament depictions of God are misconstrued and that God's true nature aligns with the New Testament's portrayal of a loving and just deity.

Pamela summarizes Boyd's stance:

"Greg Boyd suggests... the difficult things said by God in the Old Testament are examples of God taking on a mask to relate better to the culture of the time... His rationale seems to be that the death and resurrection of Christ show God isn't like those difficult aspects of the Old Testament."
(19:14)

Tom Wright and Boyd engage in a nuanced discussion about Boyd's approach. Boyd acknowledges the validity of some of Boyd's concerns, particularly regarding cultural misunderstandings and ethical misinterpretations. However, he also critiques Boyd's tendency to reinterpret or soften the Old Testament narratives to align them with contemporary sensibilities, cautioning against dismissing the historical and theological significance of these texts.

"You have to understand the whole story... It's a different kind of mission entirely."
(19:44)

Boyd elaborates on how Western postmodern perspectives may influence the reinterpretation of scripture, arguing for a balanced approach that honors both the continuity and development within the biblical narrative. He underscores the importance of viewing violent Old Testament passages within their proper theological and historical contexts, rather than as prescriptive mandates.

6. Recommendations for Old Testament Study

Towards the end of the episode, Greg Boyd provides listeners with recommendations for engaging with Old Testament scholarship. He highlights John Goldingay's "Bible for Everyone" series as comprehensive and accessible commentaries suitable for those beginning ministry.

"John Goldingay... has done the full Old Testament... Walter Brueggemann remains a great guide and always stimulating and provocative."
(27:25)

Boyd praises Goldingay and Brueggemann for their insightful and pastoral approaches to Old Testament exegesis, suggesting these resources as essential tools for pastors and ministry workers aiming to deepen their understanding of scriptural texts.

7. Conclusion

Tom Wright wraps up the episode by appreciating the depth of the discussion and encouraging listeners to explore further resources, including commentaries and related podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of grappling with difficult biblical passages to form a robust and nuanced faith.

"Delving into the Old Testament. Looking forward to what we may have in coming weeks."
(28:00)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Greg Boyd (04:37):
  "Paul himself, when he sums up his gospel in 1 Corinthians 15... he draws on Psalm 110, Psalm 8, Psalm 2... bringing together scriptural resources from Isaiah etc. So saying you can uncouple, that's pretty difficult."

• Greg Boyd (07:07):
  "The focus is on rescue and law and presence and the rescue from Egypt... how that got there, if there wasn't an Exodus, I have no idea."

• Greg Boyd (16:13):
  "God makes creation... humans are reflecting God's stewardship... When humans rebel, God doesn't abandon His plan but continues to engage with humanity."

• Greg Boyd (19:44):
  "You have to understand the whole story... It's a different kind of mission entirely."

• Greg Boyd (27:25):
  "John Goldingay... has done the full Old Testament... Walter Brueggemann remains a great guide and always stimulating and provocative."

Key Takeaways

• Integration of Old and New Testaments: The Old Testament is foundational to Christian theology, and attempts to separate it from the New Testament risk undermining the coherence of the faith.

• Historical vs. Theological Narratives: Biblical accounts, such as the Exodus, should be understood through both historical inquiry and theological interpretation, recognizing their role in shaping Israelite identity.

• Violence in Scripture: Violent Old Testament passages reflect complex covenantal relationships and divine justice within a specific historical context, rather than serving as prescriptive moral guidelines.

• Hermeneutical Balance: Approaches like Greg Boyd's strive to reconcile difficult scriptures with contemporary ethics but must balance reinterpreting texts with honoring their original theological intent.

• Educational Resources: Engaging with comprehensive commentaries, such as those by John Goldingay and Walter Brueggemann, is essential for a nuanced understanding of the Old Testament.

This episode offers a profound exploration of some of the most challenging aspects of the Old Testament, providing listeners with thoughtful perspectives and scholarly insights to better understand and reconcile these difficult passages within the broader narrative of Christian faith.