There’s a story near the end of the Book of Judges that is largely unknown, even to devout Christians. And yet Megan Phelps-Roper grew up proud to know it. It is a graphic tale of mob violence, betrayal, and a civil war that nearly annihilates an entire tribe of Israel.
But long before she questioned anything else about her faith, this story began to eat at her. Did God really approve of his chosen people’s decision to force young women into marriage? Why was a concubine gang-raped through the night — sacrificed like a pawn?
Megan returns to this story to ask: Is there any wisdom at all to still be found in this terrible, ancient story?
After listening, please share your own stories as well as your questions and comments below.
Discussion (2)
Dear Megan, I'm writing regarding the final question you asked. I think the story in the book has indeed served a profoundly significant purpose: it planted the first seeds of doubt in you. The world is not black and white, and sometimes good can emerge from bad in unexpected ways. Perhaps if this obnoxious story hadn't been in the Bible, you would have ended up taking a different path, because that delicate but necessary seed of doubt would never have been planted during your formative teenage years. I am glad that this story was there to challenge you at the right time.
Hey! loving the show. I'm a believing Christian and I think you're SUPPOSED to be horrified by this story. Every part of it. The explicit condemnation isn't necessary, it's obvious to even ancient readers. It's part of the theme of Judges that there was anarchy in the land and it wasn't working. Keep up the good work.