Biblical Evils

 Actions such as sex slavery and the murder of children are undeniably evil, yet they were often commonplace in ancient civilizations. It should not come as a surprise to find such actions depicted in the Bible, sometimes appearing to be divinely sanctioned. However, interpreting these actions as 'evil' requires context. Many biblical stories were written to convey moral lessons, allegories, or theological principles rather than to serve as literal historical accounts. This does not mean the events or people described are not real; rather, it is in the symbolism of their presentation that we encounter God.

If these stories are taken purely literally, it would imply that both the God sanctioning such acts and the people committing them are evil. For instance, the story of Abraham and Isaac is often understood as a test of faith, not as an endorsement of child sacrifice. If interpreted literally, an all-knowing God demanding a worshiper to attempt something immoral would render both the worshiper and God morally compromised.

For those who, like me, are not biblical literalists, these stories are better viewed as symbolic rather than factual. This perspective allows us to focus on the lessons they aim to teach rather than the actions themselves. It also enables a nuanced critique of the text without dismissing it entirely—an approach that, I believe, should be the hallmark of any thoughtful Christian. Come join the conversation: (youtubelink)