Preaching and Teaching from Violent Old Testament Texts: Pitfalls and Possibilities

This article urges religious educators (ministers and professors) to find constructive ways to use violent Old Testament texts in the churches and academic institutions they serve. After briefly noting three problems associated with ignoring these texts, the author offers nine practical suggestions for teaching and preaching responsibly from violent Old Testament passages. Special attention is given to addressing divine violence in the Old Testament since passages portraying God sanctioning or participating in violence are particularly troublesome.