Biblical Violence & Political Violence w/Charlie Trimm

Why does the Old Testament contain so much violence, and what does it reveal about the character of God? In this episode, Charlie Trimm helps us wrestle with some of Scripture’s most difficult passages, from Joshua’s conquest of Canaan to the prophetic calls for justice. Rather than presenting a God driven by wrath alone, Charlie shows how these texts consistently portray a God committed to justice, opposed to idolatry and oppression, and equally willing to judge his own people when they abandon his ways. Together, we explore how these passages point Christians away from self-righteous violence and toward trust, humility, and faithful discipleship.

Charlie Trimm is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Talbot School of Theology and an Old Testament scholar specializing in warfare, violence, and the theology of the Hebrew Bible. His research examines difficult biblical texts within their ancient Near Eastern context while helping modern readers understand their theological significance. He is the author of The Destruction of the Canaanites and is currently writing a commentary on Exodus.

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