The Old Testament is often maligned as an outmoded and even dangerous text. Best-selling authors like Richard Dawkins, Karen Armstrong, and Derrick Jensen are prime examples of those who find the Old Testament to be problematic to modern sensibilities. Iain Provan counters that such easy and popular readings misunderstand the Old Testament. He opposes modern misconceptions of the Old Testament by addressing ten fundamental questions that the biblical text should--and according to Provan does--answer: questions such as ""Who is God?"" and ""Why do evil and suffering mark the world?"" By focusing on Genesis and drawing on other Old Testament and extra-biblical sources, Seriously Dangerous Religion constructs a more plausible reading. As it turns out, Provan argues, the Old Testament is far more dangerous than modern critics even suppose. Its dangers are the bold claims it makes upon its readers.

A rare combination of deep and wide learning and a compelling and clear writing style. Provan is as comfortable in Mesopotamian texts as in Agatha Christie, the Rig Veda, Lord of the Rings, or the Quran. He opens the Old Testament onto a world he believes needs to hear its distinctive notes in a creative and engaging presentation. -- Reverend Christopher Seitz, Senior Research Professor, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
What does the Old Testament one of the foundational texts of western civilization really say and what is its relevance for us today? Iain Provans scholarly and practical answers to these questions will challenge Old Testament critics, enlighten believers, and provide guidance in bringing faith perspectives to bear on the challenges of the modern world." -- Honourable Preston Manning, PC CC AOE, Founder of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy and former Leader of the Official Opposition in the Canadian Parliament
Iain Provan thinks and writes outside the academic box. He asks questions that matter for life, and he shows what is at stake in taking seriously a biblically-rooted vision of reality. -- Walter Moberly, Durham University
Iain Provan, one of evangelicalism's finest Old Testament scholars, has provided a much needed book... -- G. Kyle Essary -- Apologetics 315
Seriously Dangerous Religion will be helpful to Christians and non-Christians alike who struggle to understand how the Old Testament relates to our modern world. -- Elliot Ritzema -- Bible Study Magazine
[ Seriously Dangerous Religion ] will be a particularly helpful read for those heading off to university or entering the workforce, but is broad and deep enough that every reader will find much to profit from and to reflect on. -- Daniel C. Timmer, University of Sudbury -- Themelios
[Provan's] 'thinking outside the box' creates a broad range of uses for the work, whether in university classes in world religions, theology, apologetics, hermeneutics, as well non-professional areas as discussion groups and church or Sunday school classes. Seriously Dangerous Religion is a 'must read' for anyone interested in these issues. -- Randall C. Bailey, Faulkner University -- Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
In the world in which biblical studies currently exists, projects such as this are worthy of extended time and reflection. -- Richard S. Briggs, St John's College, Durham University -- Review of Biblical Literature
Seriously Dangerous Religion is a seriously helpful book in that it simultaneously offers what is usually called an âOld Testament theology,â vindicatesthe Old Testament in the face of its cultured despisers, and demonstrates the diversity among the various world religions all while being written in an engaging manner that should appeal to more than just specialists. -- Nathan Chambers -- Journal of Reformed Theology

Iain Provan is the Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent College. He lives in the Vancouver, Canada area.