Old Testament god really does inspire fear. Don't do what he says and he'll drown you in a flood, destroy your cities with fire, turn you into salt, bring plagues upon your people etc... He even claims to be a jealous god. These attributes certainly contrast with New Testament god, who, for the most part, is about peace, tolerance, love, and acceptance. I've often wondered why the two books are connected. It kinda makes me think of an analogy from 1960s America. A conservative WWII vetran father (in keeping with the male image of god) talks righteously of bombing Europe and Japan, city and jungle warfare in their respective theaters, the deaths of millions, respect for the establishment, obedience, etc. All the while his hippie son is walking around in sandals with long hair, a beard, and talking about peace and love. The analogy isn't perfect, but I do find it amusing. Also the "anglo-saxon" Jesus portrayed in many a church portrait does bear much resemblance to friends I've had of the "hippie" persuasion...
Noah
