The Problem of War in the Old Testament

by Peter C. Craigie

Overview

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.

The predominance of war in the Old Testament troubles many Christians. However, it is an issue that must be faced, says Peter Craigie, because it has serious ramifications for contemporary Christian attitudes about war.

Craigie categorizes the problems into two kinds — personal and external. The personal problems arise from the Christian's attempt to grapple with the emphasis on war in a book fundamental to the faith. Three areas are considered here: the representation of God as a Warrior; God's revelation of himself in a book that preserves an extensive amount of war literature; and the seemingly conflicting ethics taught in the Old and New Testament.

The external problems are critiques against the Bible and the Christian faith, based on the war-like nature of the Old Testament and the close association between Christianity and war throughout history. Only by examining and understanding the problems of war in the Old Testament will Christians be able to respond intelligently to attacks on their faith, to educate their youth about the nature of war, and to influence modern attitudes toward war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802817426
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	01/05/1979
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

(1938-1985) He was educated at the universities of Edinburgh, Durham, and Aberdeen and holds the Ph.D. from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He was academic vice president and professor of religious studies at the University of Calgary in Alberta.

Editorial Reviews

F. F. Bruce
— University of Manchester
"Dr. Craigie is acutely aware of the ethical problems posed by his subject, and his study should be helpful to others who are equally aware of these problems. I am glad to commend this book."

Patrick D. Miller Jr.
— Princeton Theological Seminary
"Professor Craigie approaches a difficult subject in an irenic, open manner, conveying both his grasp of the subject matter and his deep concern as a theologian and churchman for helping lay people think about a troubling problem in a fresh way. . . . Any person or group seeking to wrestle with the problem of war in the Old Testament will find Craigie's thoughtful study one of the most helpful resources available."

From the Publisher