Book Review: Flood and Fury by Matthew Lynch
It’s funny how books find you when you need them. I’ve been rereading the Bible cover to cover, and as I made it through Kings and the other early books, I couldn’t stop thinking, “Wow, the Bible is really violent.” Then I saw Flood and Fury on NetGalley and decided to give it a try (I got the audiobook).

This book hasn’t answered all my questions, but it’s given me a deeper perspective. Lynch does a great job breaking down the violence in the Bible, especially by drawing distinctions between Genesis and the later books. It’s helped me think differently about what I’ve been reading.

If you’ve ever struggled with the Bible’s violent side, this book is worth checking out. It’s thoughtful, accessible, and full of insight..

Matthew J. Lynch’s Flood & Fury is a gripping and high-stakes science fiction novel that combines elements of adventure, dystopia, and deep psychological tension. Set in a world ravaged by environmental collapse, Lynch offers a fast-paced, intense narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first page. This is not just another post-apocalyptic tale; Flood & Fury is a powerful exploration of human resilience, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of environmental neglect.

I was very disappointed with this book. For the first 30% I was thinking semi-positively of it. And then the author showed that that, while he has dug into the Biblical text, word meanings, and flood texts of other cultures, he has done a very poor job digging into the scientific items. He took the pro-evolutionary scientist’s theories and chose to look no further. He mocks the Bible with his words and the lines he uses. Indeed, I was so put off I could not continue further than 35% because he lost all respectability in my eyes. As someone who has seen the wealth of information out there that connects a Biblical timeline with a historic, worldwide flood, and indeed, it explains things that cannot be explained otherwise, I am very disappointed that an author who went to look into this, didn’t even consider scientific facts that could fit in a creation and worldwide flood theory versus the overarchingly accepted evolution THEORY of the secular world who attempts to remove God from everything. Yes, a worldwide flood is huge! And easily explains the break up of the continents. No, there were not as many different types of animals back then as there are now. There have been a lot of adaptations and crossbreeding’s. You only need to have one from each species, not every single little subset. To be honest, I am appalled with what I heard. My heart is grieved. Saying it is outlandish to think about the highest mountaintop being covered with water? It would definitely explain why marine species fossils are found at the tops of the highest mountains in the world. I will end this here. I had listened a tad further than my initial shock, hoping that I wasn’t hearing what I thought I was. Unfortunately, if you want a solid Biblical and scientific book to read, this is not it. This book takes ideas from those who choose to eliminate God from the world, and does not use ideas that could explain the world while also taking the Bible as fact. The Bible must be our starting point.

I received an Advanced Listener Audiobook Copy of this book through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This was great! I am glad it was in audio book form because it was easier to listen than read. The author made some good points even if I didn't agree with all his conclusions. I didn't particularly like some of the commentary on current life as it was a little distracting. It's a good book that collects lots of thoughts on these topics.

This is not a topic I had ever considered independently before - I had always considered the Old Testament to be composed of the kinds of books that lend themselves to depictions of violence - history, law, etc., so I never specifically struggled with the violence itself. So this whole premise of this book was intriguing, as it was an angle I'd never realized could be an area of reflection on its own.

The author knows his stuff - there are some amazing insights here, particularly around Noah and Joshua, that I will continue to ponder for years to come. I wish he'd continued in the vein of specific commentary in the introductory and concluding sections - they come across a bit like a really brilliant but focused person trying to make general small talk. Which is a particular shame since the few glimpses into his own life and thoughts the author shares imply strongly that he is a witty, interesting person, so less of an attempt to be soberly academic would have been more compelling. So if you're short on time, skip to the middle sections - they will make you question everything you've ever thought about the Old Testament in general, literary devices in scripture, the definition of "violence"...and the nature of God Himself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I like how the author takes a lot of different faithful perspectives and applies them to scriptural accounts. I don't think audiobook is the best format for this, th0ugh, because there are a lot of references to scriptures and different topics. This text is most useful as a reference guide read in whatever order and depth is helpful at time.

Flood and Fury came to me at just the right time. I did a chronological bible reading plan for the first time this year, which meant a lot of time buried in the Old Testament. This raised some troubling questions, which Matthew Lynch's book went a long way towards answering. The picture of original harmony and God's plan for peace was stunning, and provides a great lens through which to examine difficult questions. In Flood and Fury, Lynch encourages the reader that if they find themselves wrestling with God, they should not let go until he has blessed them. Lynch takes time to look slowly and carefully at the narratives of the flood and Joshua's conquest of Canaan. This helped me notice lots of details I had missed, and showed me how God has always included outsiders and how his mercy far outstrips his justice. Flood and Fury is helpful and compassionate to anyone who is struggling with questions about God's goodness.

I listened to the audiobook, which was well read. Thanks to IVP and NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook.

Approachable, thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of the (irresolvable) problems of Old Testament violence and associated problematic themes.

“…when it comes to addressing the ethical challenge of violence in the Old Testament, some people pull a hard right. They try to justify every violent text. 'God says it. That settles it.' Others pull a hard left. 'Violent texts in the Old Testament are just the wishful projections of a violent and barbaric people. We must resist its teachings at all costs or re-interpret them until they look nice and clean!'…these aren't our only options.".

As an Old Testament scholar, Matthew Lynch deeply explores several interpretive options (with theological, historical and scriptural evidence), concerning violence in Old Testament Scripture, through careful and thoughtful perspectives. He encourages a slow re-reading with deeper examinations of Scripture, while honoring the character of God and His dealings with people.

With thanks to IVP Academic for the audio review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Overall, Lynch is a gifted communicator, and this would be a beneficial read for any Christians interested in exploring the complexities of Scripture.

Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God

I enjoyed this book!

I don't often get books on the Old Testament, and so I was really pleased to get this book.

Lynch has a great way of writing, to better understand violence.

He encourages readers to read the text carefully and in context, considering the larger biblical content, and emphasizes the importance of reading these passages with the knowledge of God's shalom (peace) and covenant-keeping love.

The book provides an advanced view with the challenging aspects of Old Testament violence while maintaining faith.

A real interesting book!

Definitely check it out

3.9/5