If we are honest (and let’s assume we are!), there are some really difficult things in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament.  Things that at best make us cringe, and at worst make us doubt God’s goodness and/or reliability.  We want to love God and trust Him (and help others to do the same), but how can we if He orders toddlers to be mauled by bears, oppresses gifted women and calls for the violent annihilation of entire nations?  In his book “God Behaving Badly, Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?” David Lamb seeks to address these questions (and more) in a thoughtful, Biblically dependent and God-glorifying way. 

Lamb is a gifted speaker and expositor who is very comfortable in the Old Testament.  He obtained his D.Phil. at Oxford University where he also wrote “Righteous Jehu and His Evil Heirs.”  Currently he is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biblical Seminary (in Hatfield, PA), and also guest lecturer at area Universities.  His deep love for God and His Word and his frank, forthright speaking style both inspires and provokes.  (His talks at Bucknell University for example brought about much interesting discussion between the Christian and atheist population there (read more about at www.davidtlamb.com). 

In his book, Lamb focuses on some of the most difficult texts in the Bible, especially those that skeptics use to justify a disregard for God and His Word.  He clearly explains why these texts are difficult, how they have been misunderstood (and/or taken out of context) and how they can be better understood in light of a more comprehensive evaluation of God’s Word, ways and character.  But this is more than just a context study.  In fact Lamb digs into texts that are difficult even within their context!  Then he carefully, faithfully expands our understanding of even these passages with his skillful, prayerful exposition.  He tackles such amazingly difficult texts and topics as…

1. 1 Samuel 4-5:  Why did God Smite Uzzah?
2. Matt. 21:12-13:  WWJW – Who Would Jesus Whip?
3. Deut. 22:28-29:  Marrying Your Rapist?
4. Joshua 10:40; 11:12-15:  Mandated Genocide?
5. 2 Kings 2:23-25:  Toddlers Mauled?
6. 2 Kings 19:35:  Divine Slaughter?

The best thing about this book is the way in which Lamb’s undaunted faith in God’s goodness and undying love for God’s Word comes through in every page.  His experience as an Old Testament scholar paired with the humble way in which he writes combine to provide a real help over the scriptural hurdles that might otherwise trip us up in our pursuit of God.  Lamb wants us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that “the God of both testaments is loving.  He affirms women, is hospitable toward foreigners and brings peace, not a sword.  He is not legalistic but gracious, not rigid but flexible, and not distant but near – therefore a highly attractive God” (p. 178).  If you have ever questioned any of these things, or if you know someone who has - this book is for you!

For more of Kim's musings,  visit her blog or e-mail her here.

Desiring the Kingdom by James K.A. Smith is a philosophical book that seeks to explore and explicate ideas connected to personhood, culture and worship.  Smith describes it best when he calls it a “theology of culture," connecting “worship and worldview” while also persuading its readers to formulate a “vision of what authentic, integral Christian learning looks like."  Smith obviously enjoys the pursuit, carrying his readers along on a refreshing thought journey that challenges us to first observe and then reform the ways in which we view and experience ourselves, the world around us, the church and virtually everything we know and love.