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Bible Studies/God command of killing
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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.
The few and isolated instances of the "holy war" with its dedication of all spoils to the supreme God Who owned all things[rather than to the victors]is among the most difficult ideas of the Old Law for us to understand.
I'm sure that I cannot satisfy your atheist questioner. However, the existence of God does not depend on an explanation of an ancient [and abandoned] practice of war -- a way to protect from evil practices, to assure peace, and to refrain from greedy spoils.
If we are contingent beings [may or may not exist], then one has to get logically to a necessary being [must exist]whom we call God.
The anathema/ban concept was not embraced by Jesus, Who preached forgiveness and love even of one's enemies.
I hope these thoughts are of some help. If you wish more, please write again.
Best wishes, Nick.
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Edward Bode
Expertise
A scholar of Jewish and Christian scripture (biblical studies), I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English. My special interests are the gospels of the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Experience
I have taught at three universities and two colleges. My published works include one book, several articles in scholarly journals, and numerous book reviews.
I hold a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy; a license in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; a license in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.Additionally, I earned a master's degree in English from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of journalism from the same university.
I have been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America for 40 years. I am a former member of Society of Biblical Literature.I have spoken on academic topics to local, national, and international groups.
Education/Credentials
I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas.
I also have a master's degree in English.
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