| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Why is it only Israel that daily makes the news re 'genocide'? | |
| Posted by: | David Ainsworth | |
| Date/Time: | 29/08/25 14:22:00 |
| Sorry, Mr Barrs, but I should have alluded to this aspect of our RK lessons at school:- "Is the Old Testament history of Israel bloody?" Google AI helps:- "Yes, the history of Israel as depicted in the Old Testament contains numerous violent and bloody events, including mass killings, warfare, and conquest, often attributed to divine command or the actions of the Israelites against their enemies. While the extent to which these events are historically accurate or allegorical is debated among scholars, the biblical narrative itself is replete with accounts of conflict and violence. Examples of Bloodshed in the Old Testament The Conquest of Canaan: The Book of Joshua describes the violent conquest and destruction of the Canaanite cities. Wars Against Other Peoples: Other narratives detail wars against nations like the Midianites, with orders for the complete annihilation of males. Divine Intervention: God commands mass killings, such as during the Exodus with the death of Egyptian firstborns, and the destruction of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. Internal Strife: The Book of Judges describes instances of deception and violence within Israel itself, such as the story of the Levite's concubine in Benjamin (Judges 19), and the subsequent violence against the tribe of Benjamin. Exile and Conquest: The later history of Israel includes the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians, and the subsequent Babylonian exile of the people. Interpretations and Context Theological Framework: Many of these violent events are presented within a theological framework, portraying God's wrath against disobedience or as a means to protect his people. Historical vs. Literary: The Old Testament is a complex work that includes national history, religious narrative, and theological exposition. Scholars debate its historical reliability, with some arguing for minimal historical evidence for certain events. "Tricky Bits": The violent passages in the Old Testament are often referred to as the "tricky bits," forcing readers to grapple with difficult themes of violence, faith, and the nature of God." Religion, eh! |