Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Explore how understanding context, genre, and cultural background can transform our reading of difficult Bible passages, particularly Old Testament violence. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by pastor and author Joshua Ryan Butler, who sheds light on approaching challenging scriptures without compromising the goodness of God. Together, they discuss the importance of wrestling with these texts, recognizing our own biases, and reading the Bible in community to gain deeper insight into God's character. Key Takeaways: Viewing the Bible as a Library – Understanding the Bible as a collection of books written over thousands of years and cultures, and how that influences interpretation. Context is Crucial – The importance of historical, cultural, and literary context when reading difficult passages, especially those involving Old Testament violence. Ancient War Rhetoric and Hyperbole – How recognizing ancient Near Eastern literary devices can reshape our perception of violent scriptures. God's Unchanging Goodne