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About this quote

What does it mean?
Allen characterizes the Old Testament God as vengeful and harsh even toward his chosen people.
In plain terms
He describes the God as punishing and jealous.
What can you take from it?
Scripture can depict divine cruelty.

Where it applies

  • theological debate
  • scripture analysis

Putting it to work

  • examine divine portrayals
  • question scriptural narratives

Questions to consider

  • How do you read divine wrath?
  • What defines a good God?

Another view

Many believers interpret these texts differently.

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  3. It is not hardness of heart or evil passions that drive certain individuals to atheism, but rather a scrupulous intellectual honesty.

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