Is God a Violent God?

Abstract

Does monotheism lead to violence? The article argues that the HB/OT gives different answers. There seems to be such a connection in some of the conquest narratives. However, the laws on war in Deuteronomy introduce more human aspects of warfare, and in Chronicles there is a decline of so-called holy war incidents. God punished only when a nation exceeded its mandate or Israel worshipped other gods. The post-exilic prophets lay emphasis on peace and reconciliation between all peoples, including their worshipping the only God, YHWH, who is holy, just and faithful, the redeemer and saviour of all peoples. Thus, monotheism also leads to salvation and redemption.

Keywords

• monotheism
• a violent God
• the laws on war
• the only God: holy and just
• saviour and redeemer
• monoteisme