The sins of wrath, idolatry, and abuse of power are closer to us than we think. How do we guard against them? We learn not only by following moral exemplars—we also need to look at the warnings of lives gone wrong.
In this fictionalized narrative, JR. Forasteros reintroduces us to some of the most villainous characters of Scripture. He shows us what we can learn from their negative examples, with figures such as Cain, Jezebel, King Herod, Sampson and Delilah, and even Satan serving as cautionary tales of sin and temptation. Forasteros vividly tells their stories to help us understand their motivations, and his astute biblical and cultural exposition points out what we often miss about their lives.
We soon discover that we might have more in common with these characters than we would like to admit. Take a fresh look at the scoundrels of Scripture, and find sound pastoral guidance here to walk the path of righteousness.
Introduction
1. Cain
2. You Wouldn't Like Me When I’m Angry: How Anger Might Be an Invitation to Life
3. Delilah and Samson
4. I’m Not Like Everybody Else: When the Light of the World Goes Dark
5. Jezebel
6. House of Cards: Power, Fear, and the New American Gods
7. Herod the Great
8. Between Rome and a Hard Place: Living in a World of Impossible Choices
9. Herodias
10. The Cat's in the Cradle: The Fingerprints Our Families Leave on Us
11. Judas
12. What Death Smells Like: The Betrayal of Faithfulness
Interlude: The Monster at the End of the Book
13. Satan
14. Running with the Devil: On Devils, Older Brothers, and Pharisees Then and Now
Epilogue: Empathy for the Devil: What to Do When It Turns Out You're the Villain
Acknowledgments
Notes