The Scandals of the Bible

by Sigve K. Tonstad

This insightful and challenging book is surprisingly fairly easy to read. It's short, essay-like chapters delve theodicy-like into the mysteries of evil present in Biblical stories of both the Old and New Testaments. Perfect for those studying and/or struggling with the problem of evil in the world. Through a non-dogmatic approach, Tonstad provides a voice for the abused and neglected, and helps his readers begin to understand the character of God as a loving and non-coercive deity who has an ultimate plan for the abolition of evil and suffering.

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This insightful and challenging book is surprisingly fairly easy to read. Its short, essay-like chapters delve theodicy-like into the mysteries of evil present in Biblical stories of both the Old and New Testaments. I highly recommend it for those people who are studying and/or struggling with the problem of evil in the world. Tonstad will likely not answer every one your questions or satisfactorily stop up ever philosophical query, but many of his insights may prove helpful in your journey. Tonstad demonstrates that he has been honest with himself. Likewise, his approach to the texts struck one on the whole as non-dogmatic, not driven to prove a theological doctrine but allowing the stories to speak and to providing the characters, many of whom were abused and neglected, a voice for their grievances once more. In so doing, he helps helps his readers see and begin to understand the character of God as a loving and non-coercive deity who has an ultimate plan for the abolition of evil and suffering.

[Jay Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Tonstad does an excellent job of challenging many traditional assumptions about right and wrong, good and bad, and whether it's just as important to consistently implement right (righteous; just; fair; loving) methods as to reach correct, right (righteous; just; fair; equitable) goals.

He offers the intriguing suggestion that the many scandals of the Bible (meaning events and circumstances that, to our 'civilized' ears, sound inappropriately violent, deceitful, vengeful, unjust, and even horrific) - rather than indicating an absent, disengaged deity (or indeed, that there is no God at all!) - instead suggest a God just as committed to adherence to 'right methods' as 'right outcomes'.

The scandals of the Bible indicate God's dedication to freedom, at any cost (even to Himself!!!), in order to preserve real, genuine love as the foundation of His government and the assurance of eternal security for the universe.