Last night in "Introduction to the Hermeneutical Task", we briefly discussed the holy wars found in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Joshua. This was not the main focus of our class, so very little time was devoted to this subject, but my professor, Dr. Dwight Friesen, cited a controversial quote from Walter Bruggeman that I still can't get out of my head.
Bruggeman, one of the world foremost experts on the Old Testament, with much credibility to lose in making a flippant remark that he really wouldn't support (thus, he must really believe what he said), was quoted as saying, "God is a recovering abuser." I'm really not sure what to make of that comment, and am more excited to look at that quote in context and to wrestle through those horrific passages of Scripture in the future, not as a way of getting the answers, but as a way of better understanding my God.
bruggemann has a very anthropocentric view of Scripture. Recently studying romans 2 has given me a new perspective on God's wrath.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a quote that makes you take a step back, although I suppose in the end it's always a good thing if it pushes us to go back and search the scriptures.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I happened upon your blog as I've been searching for any way to get into contact with Dwight Friesen. he's an old friend of mine, who i'm trying to connect with again, so if you have an email address, or could at least give him mine, that would be very cool of you. Thx
Daniel Cosby
like.a.mustard.seed.dh@gmail.com