Did God Condone Rape?

Introduction

Some atheists and agnostics cite the Bible as a reason for their disbelief.

A.A. Milne, author of “Winnie the Pooh,” claimed the Old Testament led many to atheism.

Penn Jillette, a magician and entertainer, suggested reading the Bible can turn one into an atheist.

Reasons the Bible is Criticized

Penn Jillette’s Viewpoint:

Criticism of selective reading of the Bible.

Example of Lot’s daughters being offered to a mob in Genesis 19.

Misinterpretation of Lot’s Story

Jillette’s Example:

Lot offered his daughters to protect guests from a mob.

No indication in the Bible that God approved of Lot’s actions.

Angels intervened, protected Lot’s daughters, and punished the mob.

Righteousness of Lot

Inconsistencies in Perception:

New Testament (2 Peter 2:7-8) refers to Lot as “righteous”.

Lot was not perfect but considered righteous compared to Sodom’s inhabitants.

Contextual Understanding

Key Points:

Biblical figures often had flaws but were still counted as faithful.

Lot was troubled by the wickedness around him and did not partake.

Distinction between Lot’s life and that of Sodom’s wicked inhabitants.

Lot’s actions were not justified, but he was not lawless like Sodom.

Conclusion

Lot’s righteousness pertains to his distinction from Sodom’s wickedness.

Peter’s statements highlight the contextual righteousness of biblical figures.

Study Questions

1. What does A.A. Milne claim about the Old Testament's impact on belief?

a) It strengthens belief in God.

b) It turns believers into atheists.

c) It has no effect on belief.

d) It is irrelevant to modern faith.

2. Why does Penn Jillette criticize selective reading of the Bible?

a) It ignores the positive teachings.

b) It focuses solely on heroic stories.

c) It often skips controversial passages.

d) It complicates historical context.

3. What controversial action did Lot offer to perform in Genesis 19?

a) Sacrifice his children.

b) Betray his visitors.

c) Flee the city secretly.

d) Offer his daughters to a mob.

4. What is the common misinterpretation regarding Lot’s story?

a) God approved Lot's actions.

b) Lot was a hero.

c) The angels approved Lot's actions.

d) Lot communicated directly with God.

5. How did the angels react to Lot's predicament with the mob?

a) They fled the scene.

b) They punished Lot.

c) They protected Lot and his daughters.

d) They left the mob alone.

6. What inconsistency is noted concerning Lot's characteristics?

a) Lot was depicted as evil in the New Testament.

b) Lot was consistent in his righteousness.c) Lot's actions in Genesis contradict his New Testament label.

d) Lot was always depicted as a villager.

7. According to 2 Peter 2:7-8, how is Lot described?

a) As a tyrant.

b) As deceitful.

c) As righteous.

d) As indifferent.

8. What rationale is given for Lot's described righteousness?

a) His actions were never sinful.

b) He was less wicked than Sodom's inhabitants.

c) He was admired by angels.

d) He had no interaction with the wicked.

9. Why might biblical figures be considered flawed yet faithful?

a) They always upheld the law.

b) Their deeds were consistent.

c) They were selectively punished.

d) They often struggled but remained faithful.

10. What distinction contributed to Lot's view as righteous?

a) Frequent contact with devout believers.

b) His continuous sinning was overlooked.

c) He rejected Sodom's wickedness.

d) He was born into a holy family.

11. How do Lot's overall actions contrast with Sodom's lawlessness?

a) He influenced the city negatively.

b) He took part in its wickedness.

c) He kept his moral integrity amidst corruption.

d) He was a leader of the immoral group.

12. What lesson can be learned from Lot's story despite his imperfections?

a) Avoid situations with flawed characters.

b) Strive for isolation from society.

c) Righteousness is about context and comparisons.

d) It is better to compromise one's morals.

13. Why might some perceive the Bible to contradict itself?

a) Different authors with opposing views.

b) Characters depicted without flaws.

c) Selective reading highlights inconsistencies.

d) Translations alter original meanings.

14. What does the document suggest about exploring Bible passages?

a) Find a single interpretation to follow.

b) Rely on established traditions only.

c) Study with reputable sources like Apologetics Press.

d) Seek personal insights exclusively.

15. What primary theme is suggested for Lot's biblical account?

a) Human superiority over animals.

b) Correlation between wealth and ethics.

c) The juxtaposition of righteousness and wickedness.

d) The irrelevance of faith in ancient stories.