Why is the Bible so violent?

When we come across difficult passages in the Old Testament, we needn’t turn away says Dr Andrew Ollerton. Here’s how we can better understand them 

One day, our eldest son ran into the house, full of excitement. “I just saved Toby’s life!” he exclaimed. My wife and I were momentarily impressed. But then his younger brother came in, soaked to the skin and furious: “Joel just pushed me in the pond!”

We stared at our boys, bewildered. Then it clicked. Joel had become fixated on collecting Blue Peter badges, especially the prestigious gold badge awarded to young people for outstanding achievements such as saving someone’s life. Desperate to earn one, Joel had shoved Toby in the pond, half dragged him out and then ran indoors to claim his prize.