Is God a Vindictive Bully?: Reconciling Portrayals of God in the Old and New T

Copan leaves no stone unturned in this thorough evaluation of hard texts in the Bible. Where many choose to sidestep uncomfortable texts, Copan attempts to allow them to speak on their own terms in their own context. This is the actual hard work of understanding the Bible rather than just dismissing things that make us uncomfortable. If we do not allow the Bible to push us into discomfort and only accept those items which align with our present views, we have made ourselves god over against the God revealed by the scriptures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in doing the hard work of wrestling with the hard texts of the Bible.

“Is God a Vindictive Bully” is the second book I’ve picked up from Paul Copan. I haven’t been reading this one from start to finish but rather from the chapters that have been assisting me in my research. I’m about 3/4 of the way through having read all of it and it’s been so helpful for me and my ministry. If you’ve read his book “Is God a Moral Monster”, then you’ll enjoy this one. He dives deeper and gives a more updated apologetic response to skeptics who can’t shake the habit of painting God as a “Vindictive Bully”. I think atheistic arguments are growing more and more weak, particularly in this area of argumentation, and its resources like this that is defusing them. Thanks once again, Paul for the great work! -Brandon M

I'm studying the topic of Old Testament violence, from all perspectives. I'm in learning mode here, and not out to justify any preconceived positions. In that regard, this book is an indispensable resource. Copan covers A LOT of ground in this work, and gives well researched and well reasoned analyses of key questions and key passages. Because so many topics are covered, and with care, this book serves as a highly desired resource on your book shelf. The book is clearly written and logically organized. Again, if you wish to investigate difficult OT passages, you need this book because it explains well one (sizable) corner of the discussion/debate.

I bought this book as a way to help me make sense of how God is portrayed in the Old Testament. The book attempts to make (for lack of a more accurate word), excuses for all the real or perceived contradictions and "meanness " of the Old Testament God. It didn't work for me. I found the book far too long (320 pages, with small font. I enjoy books that don't take FOREVER trying to get through. And if you can't prove your theory in 200 pages, normal-sized print, then you've lost me (and, in my opinion) less convincing. Nevertheless, it didn't change my difficulty trying to understand the Old Testament God. But that's okay. The author is a respected Christian apologist. It's worth the read if you are interested in the subject.

It was super challenging, but very insightful. It gave me a lot to think about and I enjoyed all of the research he had done in this book.