Brian Zahnd

Brian Zahnd (https://brianzahnd.com/) is lead pastor of Word of Life Church  (www.wolc.com – audios listed there) in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the author of several books including Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God titled in contrast to Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God the title of one of the most famous sermons ever preached (by Puritan revivalist Jonathan Edwards in 1741). Brian’s book includes some very good insights into the problems with the way God’s wrath has traditionally been understood. One insightful statement is:

“… we must always remember that any depiction of God, from whatever source, is subordinate to the revelation of God seen in Jesus.” (p14)

In discussing the prodigal son, Brian wrote:

“Just because the prodigal son felt fear as he fell into his father’s hands doesn’t mean he had anything to fear from his father. In his father’s hands was the only safe place to be. It was in the far country that the prodigal son was in danger, not in his father’s hands. When we fall into the hands of the living God, we are sinners in the hands of a loving God.” (p20)

One review of Brian Zahnd’s book included:

“Zahnd rightly helps us see that for better or worse, we reflect the image of the God we believe in. Zahnd’s insights into Scripture are rich and deep, making clear that if we want a less violent future, we need a vision of a nonviolent God.”

Brian is quoted on the glossary page for the definition of “wrath/anger” on this site at:  www.characterofgod.org/wrath-anger-definition/

Brian Zahnd may be contacted via the Word of Life Church Website www.wolc.com