As previously mentioned, my upbringing in the Southern U.S. was steeped in a brand of Christianity that emphasizes Evangelical beliefs, a strict adherence to the King James Version, and a literal interpretation of scripture. This background has shaped my perspective as I analyze the Bible from the viewpoint of those who still subscribe to this often distorted version of faith.

A noticeable pattern emerges in the Old Testament: God frequently exhibits extreme reactions to various situations, administering swift and severe punishments that far exceed what most would deem fair. Remarkably, these harsh responses often target his most loyal followers, who may have faltered momentarily in their judgment.

While some may argue that these narratives are merely allegorical or contain deeper spiritual truths, such assertions often feel like a way to sidestep the uncomfortable nature of the text. It’s common for critics to suggest that one should retreat to a monastery to gain clarity—an impractical suggestion at best.

Let’s delve into this topic, shall we?

The first example that comes to mind is the concept of "original sin." For those unfamiliar with the faith, this might seem akin to the first murder or another serious crime. Some Christians might retort, “They disobeyed, so they deserved it,” a mindset likely instilled from childhood, which prevents a critical examination of its absurdity.

Consider your own child if you have one. If you advised them against doing something, like sneaking snacks from the fridge, how harshly would you punish them for disobeying? Now, reflect on the consequence given to Adam and Eve for consuming the forbidden fruit: God condemns all of humanity to suffer from childbirth pain, troubled relationships, and death, in addition to cursing the Earth with thorns. They were banished from the Garden—not for a grave offense, but for eating fruit from a tree He had placed there and for yielding to a serpent He also created.

Next, let’s examine the great flood. God commands humanity to multiply, but some angels choose to have relations with human women, producing the Nephilim. Although the Bible hints at their existence, it does not clearly link them to the flood's cause. Instead, it states that all of humanity had become "evil," except for Noah and his family.

This suggests that even children and unborn babies were deemed "evil," as God decides to end their lives along with every land animal and bird. He expresses regret over creating mankind at all, as seen in Genesis 6:4-7, where He resolves to wipe out humanity.

As an omniscient being, one must ponder how God could have made such significant mistakes. Why place the tree in the Garden? Why allow a talking serpent to exist? Why permit angels to intermingle with humans, designing them to be capable of such acts in the first place?

Moving on, we find the story of Moses in the desert. Although less catastrophic than the flood, it serves as another example of God's impulsive nature. Moses, a key figure who authored much of the Old Testament, leads the Israelites out of Egypt after inflicting plagues upon the Egyptians to persuade Pharaoh to release the slaves. Despite a journey that should have taken weeks, it takes the Israelites two years to reach the edge of Canaan, during which Moses sends spies to scout the land.

The spies return with mixed reports: two believe the Israelites can conquer the land with God’s assistance, while ten express doubt. In response to the people's uncertainty, God punishes the doubting spies by striking them dead and condemns the entire generation to wander the desert for 40 years before allowing their children to enter the promised land.

Even Moses faces punishment for striking a rock instead of speaking to it, an act that bars him from seeing the promised land himself, highlighting an extreme level of pettiness.

This examination of God’s actions raises many questions about divine justice and the nature of faith.