The Bible is the most widely translated book in the world, and its influence is immeasurable. Nonetheless, according to Gerd Ludemann, its use by Christians is highly selective.
He asks, "What about those parts of the Bible that contain God's command to exterminate whole peoples or those texts which demonize other faiths?" Ludemann explores these issues, illuminating this "dark side" of the Bible. He focuses first on the practice of Holy War and then on the anti-Judaism of New Testament writings. He also tackles the question of how, given this destructive side of Scripture, we can continue to be Christians and, in response, points to the person of Jesus and his example.
