A question for Christians

[chakka35]

We know that the God of the Old Testament is a monster. To list his crimes against humanity would take up too much space here, but they include ordering the wholesale slaughter of tribes � men, women, children and animals � the wiping out of cities, the drowning of the whole population of the earth except for one privileged family, the approval of rape and the handing-over of women as sex objects � oh, read the OT for your self.

When Christians are faced with these atrocities they claim that the New Testament God is different - a gentle, caring, loving fellow.

But when and where did this transformation take place? When did Jesus ever say "Sorry about my old man's behaviour in the OT but he's reformed now. He's had counselling and is a totally different guy", or words to that effect?

He didn't. On the contrary, as a Jew he worshipped the unreformed unrepentant OT God as all Jews do. So what does that say about Jesus' taste and values?

How do you Christians settle your consciences in this respect?

[mollykins]

they failed and went to hell, as the bible teaches people to respect other points of view ect.

[Theland1]

Hey Molly, please come back and add to the debate, as your contributions are interesting to say the least.
I'm just an old wanderer looking for any spiritual input that will enlighten me.
I am always prepared to learn from others experiences and wisdom, and I value yours.

[mollykins]

don't worry i'm female so i can be thinking about 2 posts at once.

[chakka35]

I make that 2013 - the number of times, dear old Theland, that you have shamelessly avoided answering the question.
Oh and er --- isn't it a bit unfair to accuse naomi of giving you a pedantic spelling lesson when you yourself asked what the spelling should be?

Dear oh dear, you don't get any better.

[Theland1]

So that's what pedantic means!
I thought it was something to do with feet!
The question. -
I don't need to settle my conscience, as as far as I am concerned, God does not change, and is consistent in both old and new testaments.
The new testament gives us a new covenant, but God is the same throughout.

[beso]

According to the Bible, the command by God to the Israelites to complete a genocide of all the tribes in their Promised Land was not entirely carried out. Rather than being massacred some tribes were enslaved.

Because they failed to implement God's will they fell out of favour and brought God's wrath upon themselves.

Clearly the genocide was some kind of test by God who could have simply wiped them out with a pestilence if he really wanted them dead.