Causes of Tolerance and Intolerance Toward Gentiles in the First Testament

Abstract

First Testament writers make intolerant statements about Gentiles because they have previously acted against Israel, they pose a religious threat to God's people, and the writers are marginalized and persecuted people. Some prophets deliver oracles against foreign nations for several different reasons, including the fact that offering such sayings is the most traditional part of a prophet's role. FT authors make tolerant assertions about Gentiles as a response to the intolerance of others and because the writers' education has made them better informed about other peoples. Today Christians often have less reason than ancient Israelites for the Christians' intolerance toward other world religions. Education about them in interfaith dialogue could relieve much of the problem.