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The Bible has been interpreted to justify such evil practices as, for example, slavery, the slaughter of prisoners of war, the sadistic murders of women believed to be witches, capital punishment for hundreds of offenses, polygamy, and cruelty to animals. It has been used to encourage belief in the grossest superstition and to discourage the free teaching of scientific truths. We must never forget that both good and evil flow from the Bible. It is therefore not above criticism.

Steve Allen#8

CriticismHistoryBibleEthics

About this quote

What does it mean?
Allen argues the Bible has been used to justify evils like slavery and war, so it is open to criticism.
In plain terms
The Bible supports both good and evil; it is not beyond critique.
What can you take from it?
Scripture has been used for harm and cannot be exempt from critique.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • religious critique

Putting it to work

  • challenge sacred texts
  • evaluate historical impact

Questions to consider

  • Can texts be morally neutral?
  • How do we judge scripture?

Another view

Some argue context limits these interpretations.

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  3. There is not the slightest question but that the God of the Old Testament is a jealous, vengeful God, inflicting not only on the sinful pagans but even on his …

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