Weekend Reading
Instead of a Scripture verse, today we are posting two articles on the issue of Biblical violence–and in particular, violence that is commanded by God or is carried out by God. It is important to remember that Christians have been struggling with Biblical violence for almost 2,000 years. Our hope is that these articles, while from very different perspectives, will assist you as you grapple with the questions of violence, war and our faith.
The first article, “A Response to Old Testament Violence” is by Dr. Ted Grimsrud, retired Senior Professor of Peace Studies at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. He writes from a Christian pacifist perspective.
The second article, “God and Violence in the Old Testament” is by the late Dr. Terence Fretheim, who was the Elva B. Lovell Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, for many years.
Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.
Tongue on Fire 