One great objection to the Old Testament is the cruelty…
““One great objection to the Old Testament is the cruelty said to have been commanded by God. All these cruelties ceased with death. The vengeance of Jehovah stopped at the tomb. He never threatened to punish the dead; and there is not one word, from the first mistake in Genesis to the last curse of Malachi, containing the slightest intimation that God will take his revenge in another world. It was reserved for the New Testament to make known the doctrine of eternal pain.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that the Old Testament lacks references to afterlife punishment, contrasting it with the New Testament’s doctrine of eternal torment.
In simple terms: Old Testament lacks afterlife punishment; New Testament introduces eternal pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how doctrines evolve over time.
Themes
theology
interpretation
historical criticism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- biblical studies
- comparative religion
- ethical debates
- teaching theology
Key Concepts
eternal punishment
scriptural analysis
religious doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the shift affect believers’ ethics?
- What historical factors influenced this doctrinal change?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that moral behavior can exist without fear of afterlife punishment.