"In the first six pages of his new book, Matthew Curtis Fleischer describes the problem of divine violence in the Old Testament as well as anyone ever has. In the following 200-plus pages, he offers Christians committed to biblical authority an intelligent and humane way of interpreting those passages, leading humanity from violence to nonviolence in the way of Jesus. Fleischer is an attorney, and he makes his case with clarity that would win over any unbiased jury." - Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration

ENDORSEMENTS

"Who would have thought that the Old Testament reveals God’s hatred of violence and his desire to rid the world of it?  Yet that’s exactly the case Matthew Curtis Fleischer makes – in a compelling manner – in this book.  Fleischer gives us a portrait of a God who consistently chooses nonviolence over violence – and who expects his followers to do the same." - Dr. Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, Mississippi

“In an effort reminiscent of fellow lawyers and lay theologians Jacques Ellul and William Stringfellow, Matthew Curtis Fleischer has produced a work of significant worth.”  – Willard M. Swartley, Professor Emeritus, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

“Fleischer makes a strong argument for a Christian embrace of nonviolence based on both testaments.” – Publishers Weekly

“An outstanding treatment of what is often taken to be the intractable problem of the dubious moral character of the God of the Old Testament....  An attentive reading of Fleischer’s crisp yet comprehensive account will dispel many of the pangs of conscience that have troubled believers over the years, while the honest agnostic or atheist reader should come away from his reading of The Old Testament Case for Nonviolence with a somewhat shaken faith that the God of the Old Testament is a moral monster.” – Gerard Casey, Professor Emeritus, University College Dublin

 
 

READER REVIEWS

“Fleischer has written a powerful and necessary book…. This is an important apologetic work. You need this book on your shelf.” - Steven Ruff, pastor

“This book delivers on its intriguing title…. I am rarely wowed by a book, but this one hit me with a complete paradigm shift in chapter two.” - Donna L. Schillinger

“There are numerous theological and ethical gems throughout this book, and I know I’ll be using it in the future when I teach on the Old Testament and ethics.” - Jacob Prahlow, PhD student 

"This is a fascinating book.... Highly recommended." - Frank Coats, pastor

“Fleischer has provided a top-notch offering on the subject that belongs in any serious discussion on Christian or religious violence/non-violence from the Sunday school table to the seminary classroom.” - Craig Stephans, priest and author
 
“This book is an excellent reference.… Fleischer does not shy away from the difficult texts in the Old Testament.” - Jonathan Pedrone, professor

“Worth the read though we disagree.… The author does an excellent job of presenting his case.” - Jeff Klick, pastor

“Fleischer has given us a careful and deep reading of nonviolence in both the Old and New Testament.” - William H. DuBay, author and activist

“An honest, thoughtful, thorough response to today's tough questions…. presented with conviction and compassion.” - Terry M. Wildman, pastor and author

“Fleischer’s experience as an attorney really shows through his style. He’s methodical. He presents his case. He brings the evidence. And he backs things up with Scripture.” - Shane Callicutt, pastor and author

“Fleischer's narrative can be considered alongside authors such as Boyd, Butler and Yoder as adding a crucial voice to the discussion of violence in the Old Testament.” - Jeffrey E. Kaetzel, seminarian