AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every one including women and infant of Amalek ?
1 Samuel Chapter 15
15:2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Answer Hi Nick!
Thank you for the question, asked by your atheist friend/acquaintance.
The first point that must be made is that while it is certainly true, and is the teaching of the whole Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – that God is Love, He is also Just. This means that He cannot allow evil to go unpunished. Those who criticise actions such as that to which you refer tend to be coming at the subject from a position of sentimentality rather than Biblical truth!
The Amalekites were an evil race of people who had previously attempted to destroy the Children of Israel without any provocation. (Ex.17:8) and, later, assisted the Moabites to defeat them. (Jud 3:13) They often raided the Israelites’ land after they had planted crops, leaving them with nothing (Jud 6:2-5) These events were, of course, judgements from YHWH on His chosen people – but you won’t hear too many atheists (or anyone else!) complaining about that!
During these years of contact with Israel, the Amalekites would have learned about the God of Israel, and may even have known that judgement had already been pronounced upon them (Ex 17:14-16) When this happened to the people of Nineveh through the ministry of the prophet Jonah, they repented and the judgement was averted. The Amalekites did not change, and the word of YHWH was fulfilled – not completely, at that time, (because of Saul’s disobedience) but many years later (I Chron 4:43).
With reference to the women and children, we must also remember that we are talking about an age, and culture, that was much less individualistic than ours. It was perfectly “normal” that misdeeds should bring judgement on a whole people (cf Josh.7)
Nations like the Amalekites who seek to exterminate the Children of Israel aren’t just waging war against a nation of human beings, but against Almighty God Who declared to Abram that He would curse those who cursed Abram and his descendants. History certainly shows that nations that have persecuted the Jewish people have, themselves, come to nothing wile the Chosen People have survived even the horrors of the Holocaust.
I would respectfully suggest that the lesson to be taken from this episode is not that it gives mortal man an excuse to “judge” Almighty God, but that it reminds us that “... you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Gal.6:7) The Good News is that those who come to God, confessing their own sinfulness (even ’though it may not seem as great as that of the Amalekites) may find salvation through the Lord, Jesus Christ – YHWH Himself, in human flesh – Who took our place on the cross, dying the death that we deserve in order that we may experience the life that only He can give. He “... does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (II Pet.3:9) He IS love – Calvary proves it!
I trust that this will help you to answer this atheist but, of course, (s)he may simply be grasping at straws. Before we can come to Him, we must believe that He exists (Heb.11:6) which puts the true atheist at something of a disadvantage!
If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to come back with a supplementary question. You (and your friend) might also find some of the posts, and the audio messages, on my blog to be of interest. Please log on to www.crazyrev.blogspot.com
