“Does the Bible Justify Violence? A Book Recommendation
Several months ago, I taught a course using Does the Bible Justify Violence as my primary source. I knew I'd love the book because of its author, John J. Collins. He is a well-respected scholar, and his wife, Adela Yarbro Collins, was one of my Seminary professors. John Collins' book is respectful of different religions while clarifying the history underlying different descriptions of violence by God's people and even descriptions of God taking part in violence against groups of people.
Dr. Collins uses clear and descriptive language that avoids becoming overly academic, thereby avoiding intellectual minutia. Does the Bible Justify Violence provides a comprehensive overview of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, and also includes examples from the Qur'an. Dr. Collins helps the reader move beyond false interpretations and misconceptions to a place where we can understand and learn how to interpret Scriptures with historical and cultural guidance.
Dr. Collins offers an honest interpretation of biblical violence, without resorting to a facile defense of religion and its adherents. Collins also provides examples throughout history, showing how the faithful in the last few hundred years used and abused Biblical passages to legitimate their hate, violent intent, and desire for war. The reader will also examine how different forms of biblical writing, ranging from poetic to apocryphal literature, were used to inspire ancient and modern readers to justify violent action in the name of God.
I appreciate Dr. Collins' book because it is concise, direct, and accessible to readers without theological degrees. "Does the Bible Justify Violence?" was published in 2004 and remains more relevant today than it was when first released. In this era of political assassinations, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, among others, God is calling the faithful to develop a Biblical understanding of peace and justice, and a response to violence and war. God is calling the faithful to learn and articulate Biblical and theological principles so the world will respond with an appropriate ethical understanding, guided by Biblical principles, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Reading Dr. Collins' book will provide the necessary knowledge, enabling you to speak faithfully in the face of violence.