Helen Paynter

The Zondervan Biblical and Theological Lectures series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, Blessed Are the Peacemakers Audio Lectures include high quality live-recordings of college-level lectures that cover the important points from each subject as well as relevant material from other sources.

This audio series dives deeply into the topic of human violence. Old Testament scholar Helen Paynter sets out the contours by addressing the various definitions of violence and the theories of its origins, prevalence, and purpose. What is violence? Is violence a human or social construct, or can we describe natural phenomena as violent? How does the concept of violence relate to the concept of evil? How do we resist violence?

Starting with the creation narratives in Genesis, ancient Near Eastern myths, and the conquest of Canaan, Blessed Are the Peacemakers Audio Lectures investigates the origins of human violence and its consequences. Through the voices of the prophets and in the teaching of Jesus, the Bible reveals that the seeds of violence exist within every human heart. Even though we see evidence of resistance movements in the Bible, it is only on the cross that an absorption of violence by God takes place through self-sacrifice. Lessons also consider how the first Christians responded to the structural violence of slavery and patriarchy and how they began to apply Jesus's redemptive, non-vengeful theology to their own day.

In addition to providing a comprehensive biblical theology of violence, Paynter probes behind the headlines and politicized rhetoric to provide a careful analysis of violence in our world. She concludes by setting forth a bold framework and practical suggestions for an effective and faithful Christian response to the scriptural teaching.

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