A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE? THE BIBLE ON VIOLENCE, SUFFERING, AND HOPE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/theol.cath.latina.2025.LXX.1.01Keywords:
biblical violence, divine justice, theodicy, Revelation, apocalyptic literature, sacred texts and war, soteriology, eschatologyAbstract
The essay explores the troubling yet central role of violence in the Bible. First, it outlines how violence appears across biblical narratives – ranging from personal to mass violence, both physical and psychological, and often with divine involvement. Four analytical axes are proposed: the phenomenology of violence, its spatial dimensions (human, divine, satanic), the agents/victims involved (including divine actors), and its ethical justifications or theological explanations. Special attention is given to the Book of Revelation.
Its interpretations vary – from metaphorical and redemptive readings to critical and feminist critiques that view its message as tyrannical or dangerous. Despite its disturbing elements, Revelation is ultimately framed within the Christian drama of Christ’s sacrificial death, cosmic salvation, and eschatological hope.
Article history: Received 03.05.2025; Revised 05.05.2025; Accepted 15.05.2025.
Available online: 26.06.2025. Available print: 30.07.2025.
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