A word of caution. This commentary isn't for those with fixed opinions of Old Testament statements, claims, and admonitions. This book is a "common sense" survey and is not intended to strengthen or lessen one's preconceived notion of scripture. Almost without exception theologians and Bible scholars have attempted to explain the intent of the scriptures and spiritual implications represented by the conflicting statements of the ancient writers without taking issue with the content itself.
Unholy Dilemma - A Search for Logic in the Old Testament departs from the approach of presuming to divine what the ancient writers meant to say and merely examines what they actually penned. The examination begins with the first verse in Genesis and culminates in Malachi, Selected statements and claims made by the various Old Testament writers are examined, and then analyzed in light of history, science, human physiology, archaeological discoveries, and plain common sense. The results are fascinating, compelling, and at times, perplexing.
Since no one has actually seen or talked with God, the only explanation we have of the nature of God is obtained in the writings of the Old and New Testament authors. Everything we believe is obtained from the writings of ancient and superstitious people. In the case of the Old Testament, these attempts were assembled from oral tales, told around campfires for hundreds, or thousands of years, and then written on parchment in the mid-7th century BCE. This commentary does not begin with any particular agenda or inflexible viewpoint regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of the Old Testament scriptures. This book adds nothing to the ancient texts and takes nothing away! The incongruity between the God of the Old and New Testaments are compared for analysis. The fact that both Gods are claimed to be one although their natures seem to be at complete variance, is also discussed. The Bible is a fascinating book. It is also a very accommodating book. It allows one to formulate any opinion one desires. If you wish to believe that God is good-that's in the book. If you think God is evil -that's in the book too. Think no one has ever seen God and lived-that's in the book. Think individuals have seen God face to face and survived-it's also in the book. Want to prove God is omnipresent-that's in the book. Think God is surprised by events he stumbles upon by chance-that's in the book as well. This book will open up a whole new way of reading the Bible and may even help you decide what value the Old Testament writings have regarding your psychological and spiritual needs. Enjoy the read!