Responses to the Skeptic's Annotated Bible Cruelty Short List

This page contains responses to the short list of "cruelty in the Bible" at the Skeptic's Annotated Bible - http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/cruelty/short.html.

Please read our summary response to "The Skeptic's Annotated Bible."

Introduction:

The "cruelty" section at the Skeptic's Annotated Bible is dedicated to listing all the verses and passages in the Bible that are cruel and brutal (by our modern "standards" at least). We do not deny that the Bible describes some events that are exceedingly violent and brutal. We do not deny that the Bible records God doing some things that seem "cruel." However, we approach these things from a Biblical perspective...and that is the key to understanding why God did and allowed these events.

Ultimately, the solution to "cruelty in the Bible" is understanding the just penalty for sin. Romans 6:23 declares that the wages of sin is death. This death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Death / eternal destruction is what we all deserve. So, no matter how terrible something on earth is, it is actually less than what we deserve. Complaining that God is cruel is analogous to a condemned murderer on death row complaining that the food he receives tastes bad. The condemned murderer deserves death. The condemned murderer does not deserve food at all. The condemned murderer has no basis on which to complain. In the same way, we have no right to complain when evil occurs, or when God brings judgment, as the absolute worst this world has to offer is actually mercy in comparison to what we truly deserve.

Listed below are links to our responses to the items on the "cruelty short list" found at the Skeptic's Annotated Bible. For the sake of clarity, we followed the general format of the Skeptic's Annotated Bible. We will eventually respond to each and every accusation, but please understand that this will take some time.

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Recommended Resource: When Critics Ask by Norm Geisler.

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Responses to the Skeptic's Annotated Bible Cruelty Short List