Academic Publication
Senior Honors Thesis
Research | Academic Writing | SBL Formatting
For this project:
Formed an extensive outline structuring thesis and proceeding argument.
Composed a Thesis Proposal and PowerPoint presentation that was submitted to the Honors Program board for approval and presented to peers for feedback.
Filtered through dozens of possible sources to select relevant sources for thesis support.
Collaborated with Thesis Chair and Reader to edit and fine-tune research, thesis, and supporting arguments.
Formatted paper in accordance with the SBL Handbook of Stlye 2nd Ed.
Analyzed dozens of primary and secondary sources to determine relevant arguments, notable quotations, and significant statistics.
Consolidated extensive research to bolster thesis and supporting arguments.
Tailored language and syntax to an academic-minded audience.
Hermeneutical analysis of the Hebrew Bible and ancient Ugaritic manuscripts.
Title
Yahweh’s Benevolence vs. Anat’s Malevolence: A Comparative Analysis of Judges 4–5 and COL ii 1–COL iii 2
Abstract
The actions of ancient Near Eastern warrior gods are often depicted as acts of vengeance, greed, and brutality, serving selfish ambition and never-ending power struggles. These gods and their warfare ethic dominated the worldview of the ancient world in which the events of the Old Testament took place. The actions of the Hebrew God are often included, even emphasized, in discussions of ancient divine warfare today. There are supposed similarities between the actions of war gods like Anat from the Ugaritic pantheon and those of Yahweh from ancient Israel. Unfortunately, this has led to the present-day belief that the God of the Old Testament is violent and vengeful, harboring hidden, malevolent motives. However, a closer look at the warfare ethic of Yahweh and that of Anat reveals a stark distinction between the ethics of each deity in their violent dealings with their enemies.
By comparing the warfare ethic of Yahweh in Judges 4–5 and Anat in the Baal Cycle, it will be made apparent that Yahweh’s violent actions against the Canaanites are ultimately merciful. The stark distinction between the ethic and motives of these two deities make an apologetic for the morally superior warfare ethic of Yahweh and, consequently, His inherently benevolent nature.
Originally published to Liberty University: Scholar’s Crossing in April 2022. To download and read the full paper visit here.
Abstract
The actions of ancient Near Eastern warrior gods are often depicted as acts of vengeance, greed, and brutality, serving selfish ambition and never-ending power struggles. These gods and their warfare ethic dominated the worldview of the ancient world in which the events of the Old Testament took place. The actions of the Hebrew God are often included, even emphasized, in discussions of ancient divine warfare today. There are supposed similarities between the actions of war gods like Anat from the Ugaritic pantheon and those of Yahweh from ancient Israel. Unfortunately, this has led to the present-day belief that the God of the Old Testament is violent and vengeful, harboring hidden, malevolent motives. However, a closer look at the warfare ethic of Yahweh and that of Anat reveals a stark distinction between the ethics of each deity in their violent dealings with their enemies.
By comparing the warfare ethic of Yahweh in Judges 4–5 and Anat in the Baal Cycle, it will be made apparent that Yahweh’s violent actions against the Canaanites are ultimately merciful. The stark distinction between the ethic and motives of these two deities make an apologetic for the morally superior warfare ethic of Yahweh and, consequently, His inherently benevolent nature.
Originally published to Liberty University: Scholar’s Crossing in April 2022. To download and read the full paper visit here.