IS GOD A MORAL MONSTER? By Paul Copan A REVIEW
Paul Copan’s Is God a Moral Monster? is one of the more significant modern works addressing the difficult ethical questions skeptics frequently raise against the God of the Bible. Rather than dismissing these objections with shallow answers, Copan carefully examines the historical setting, literary context, and theological purpose behind many Old Testament passages that critics often cite. His goal is not to explain away difficult texts but to encourage thoughtful readers to examine them fairly before drawing conclusions.
One of the strengths of the book is its insistence that no passage of God’s word should be isolated from its surrounding context. Many accusations against the Bible arise from reading a single verse while ignoring the broader narrative. Copan repeatedly reminds the reader that God’s dealings with ancient nations occurred within a unique period of redemptive history. This approach reflects the principle taught throughout the Bible that truth must be handled accurately and in harmony with the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 20:27).
Copan also gives considerable attention to the character of God. Critics frequently portray the God of the Old Testament as cruel while overlooking His remarkable patience. The Bible repeatedly declares that the Lord is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Long before judgment came upon nations such as the Canaanites, centuries of wickedness had passed. Divine judgment was never impulsive. It was measured, righteous, and deserved (Genesis 15:16).
Especially helpful is Copan’s discussion of the conquest of Canaan. He demonstrates that the language of total destruction often reflects the customary military rhetoric of the ancient Near East. Biblical narratives themselves reveal that many of the peoples described as “destroyed” continued to exist afterward, indicating that these expressions should not always be interpreted with modern literalism. This observation encourages readers to pay careful attention to literary conventions before making moral accusations against the biblical record.
The author likewise addresses difficult questions regarding slavery, women, and capital punishment. While every reader may not agree with each conclusion, Copan consistently attempts to distinguish between God’s temporary regulation of ancient social structures and His ultimate moral ideal. The unfolding nature of biblical revelation deserves careful consideration, for God progressively worked through imperfect societies while moving history toward the fullness revealed in Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4).
There are, however, places where some readers may desire stronger emphasis. At times Copan relies heavily upon historical reconstruction and cultural background. Such information can be valuable, yet Christians must remember that the final authority rests in the inspired text itself rather than in archaeological theories or scholarly consensus. Historical evidence should illuminate the Bible, never govern it (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Another area that invites discussion is the treatment of certain philosophical arguments. Copan occasionally spends many pages interacting with contemporary atheists and academic objections. While these sections serve an important purpose, some readers may find them more technical than necessary. A simpler presentation would make portions of the book more accessible to Christians who desire practical answers for personal evangelism.
Nevertheless, the overall contribution of this volume is substantial. The book encourages believers not to fear difficult questions but to investigate them honestly. Christianity has never depended upon blind faith. Rather, God’s word repeatedly invites examination, evidence, and careful reasoning (Isaiah 1:18; 1 Peter 3:15). Honest inquiry ultimately strengthens confidence in divine revelation.
The greatest lesson emerging from Copan’s work is that God’s justice and God’s love are never enemies. The same God who judged sin in the Old Testament also demonstrated immeasurable mercy through the cross of Christ. Divine holiness requires justice, yet divine grace provides salvation. Any evaluation of the difficult passages of the Bible must be made in light of God’s complete revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father’s character (John 14:9).
In summary, Is God a Moral Monster? deserves careful reading by Christians who desire thoughtful answers to skeptical objections. Although readers may differ with some of Copan’s arguments or conclusions, the book succeeds in challenging superficial criticisms of the Bible and directing attention back to the historical and theological context of God’s word. It is a valuable resource that encourages deeper study, stronger faith, and greater confidence that the God revealed in the Bible is perfectly holy, perfectly just, and perfectly good.
BDD
