Book Review: Tough
Questions about God and His Actions in the Old Testament
By Walter C. Kaiser Jr.
Written by one of the biggest names in Hebrew Bible studies,
the book is a much needed, scholarly study of troubling themes in the Old
Testament. I appreciated how Kaiser did not sugar coat nor dumb down the
issues. He tackled questions at their hardest to explain. Issues like Evolution
or Creation (How could there be light before the sun and moon were created?),
Grace or Law, Monogamy or Polygamy (Didn’t heroes of faith like Abraham and
David have many wives?), Peace or Genocide (Didn’t God command the
extermination of entire peoples?), etc. are confronted head on. Yet, Kaiser
approaches the topics as one who believes the Bible to be the Word of God. This
in itself is refreshing in this day and age. Trust me. Not many like him left
in academic circles.
If some of God’s actions in the Old Testament have seemed
troublesome to you in the past, this is a book you will thoroughly enjoy.
Though, let me warn you that part of Kaiser’s honesty will cause him to leave
some issues unresolved to your satisfaction. Again, he is handling the Word the
best way he can, while still allowing for mystery in the will and actions of
God; as it should be, I guess. Personally, I like clear-cut answers, and black
or white points of view, but I understand that they are not always possible.
4/5 Stars
Disclosure: The book was
received for free from Kregel Academic & Ministry book review program. The
program does not require a positive review, only an unbiased one.
