Why are there two different Gods in the Bible the Old Testament God of super vengeance killing men women and children and then in the New Testament you have a super hippie who loves everybody?

Answer 1

This is a common misconception brought about by those who do not know The Bible or who have an interest in focusing on particular aspects of the character of God and ignoring everything else.

While the God of the Old Testament did wreak vengeance, this was not as pronounced as many might think and there was indeed opportunity for those so dealt with to escape if they wished. Thus there was mercy also evidenced even in judgment and judgment only fell on those who were stubborn enough to refuse the mercy. Apart from that, God displays many other characteristics in the Old Testament including love and care for His people and indeed much longsuffering with a people who were indeed 'stiffnecked.' He was also a God of truth and power and all-knowing etc.

The all-loving hippie Jesus is a total myth as Jesus had much to say about hell and judgment and against the hypocrisy of the religious teachers of His day. He certainly was a friend and showed compassion and love to those in genuine need but this was by no means all He did. He taught on a wide variety of topics and love was only a minor key in His emphasis. Jesus did indeed love everybody, which was why He had such fierce rebukes (see Matthew 23 - no hippie here) for the leaders of the religion of His day who claimed to know God but didn't.