The Deep End w/Taylor Welch The Ethics of God (eternal hell, slavery, & permitted polygamy) w/Paul Copan - 098
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Apr 22, 2026 
Paul Copan, philosopher and ethicist focused on Old Testament ethics, unpacks controversial biblical texts with historical, linguistic, and moral context. He discusses warfare language and hyperbole, how law protected the vulnerable, the nature of servitude versus chattel slavery, polygamy’s portrayal, divine justice and punishment, and how Christian ethics shaped human dignity.
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Why New Atheists Sparked Deep Old Testament Study
- Paul Copan traced his focus on Old Testament ethical challenges to New Atheist critiques after 9/11, which pushed him to study ancient Near Eastern contexts and biblical language more closely.
- He turned an essay Is Yahweh a Moral Monster into books dissecting warfare rhetoric, hyperbole, and cultural setting to respond to Dawkins and Hitchens.
Ancient Hyperbole Explains Biblical 'Total' Destruction
- Copan emphasizes ancient Near Eastern hyperbolic war rhetoric explains phrases like man woman young and old, reducing apparent biblical contradictions about survivors.
- He shows Joshua/Judges narratives record realistic survivors while later Deuteronomic summaries use idealized language common in ANE inscriptions.
Jesus Links Himself To Old Testament Actions
- Copan argues continuity between Old and New Testaments: Jesus and apostles identify with Yahweh's actions, so you can't separate a wrathful Old Testament God from New Testament revelation.
- He cites Jesus' references to Mosaic law and passages like Jude and 1 Corinthians linking Christ to Old Testament acts.
