Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Thinking rightly about God and the problem of the Old Testament -- Examining the problem of disturbing divine behavior -- Problematic portrayals of God -- Problematic for whom? -- Ancient approaches to disturbing divine behavior -- Defending God's behavior in the Old Testament -- Understanding the nature of Old Testament narratives -- Asking the historical question : did it really happen? -- Concerns about raising the historical question -- The functions of Old Testament narrative -- Israel's theological worldview -- Developing responsible readings of troublesome texts -- Distinguishing between the textual God and the actual God : the Amalekites, genocide, and God -- Evaluating disturbing divine behavior by the God Jesus reveals : toward a christocentric hermeneutic -- Using problematic passages responsibly : becoming discerning readers -- Talking about troubling texts : some practical suggestions.