Abstract:
The problem of monotheism and violence, as put forward by Assmann in a recent
article "Monotheismus und Ikonoklasmus als politische Theologie", is addressed.
Violence in a religious context more often than not emanates from a paradigm of
exclusive monotheism. The origin of this kind of violence can be traced back to
people in position of power who held the opinion that the truth was entrusted to
them alone and that their enemies were also the enemies of their god. This also held true for interest groups in Judah. Old Testament literature promoting violence should be read critically within the broader context of books like Genesis, Ruth, Jonah and New Testament writings.
