Biblical games: A strategic analysis of stories in the Old Testament

by Steven J. Brams

Biblical Games represents a radical departure from traditional biblical scholarship; however, it is in no way flippant or sacrilegious.

It brings a completely new approach to the study of the Scriptures—the mathematical theory of games—which Brams uses to explore the central question of theology, man's relationship to God.

The thesis of Biblical Games is that both God and human biblical characters acted rationally in a series of games played in the Old Testament. This thesis is supported by an analysis of over twenty stories of conflict and intrigue, starting with the creation, in which it is demonstrated that biblical players (God included) consistently acted to further their own ends.

Elementary tools from the theory of games, including payoff matrices and games trees that are fully explained in the text, are used to elucidate the rational calculations of biblical players and show precisely the manner in which they sought to achieve their most preferred outcomes. On the basis of the story-by-story strategic analysis, a detailed assessment of God's character and motivations is offered at the end, with reasons given for His frequently wrathful behavior.

Biblical Games will appeal to a wide audience—readers with a serious interest in the philosophy of religion, biblical studies, political theory, game theory and methodology, as well as those who are simply intrigued by a fascinating application of logical reasoning to a work long considered inaccessible to scientific analysis.

Contents: The Creation and Its Aftermath (Adam, Eve, and the serpent); The Meaning of Faith (Abraham and Isaac, Jephthah and his daughter); Family Conflict (Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers); Protracted Conflict (Moses, the Israelites, and God); Just Agreements and Wise Arbitration (Rahab and the spies, Joshua's deception by the Gibeonites, Solomon and the disputed baby); Royal Conflict (Saul and David; Esther, Mordecai, and Haman); Conflict Between the Sexes (Nabal, Abigail, and David; Samson and Delilah; Vashti and Ahaseurus); Theory, Evidence, and Findings (including "Concluding Remarks on God"). Index.

Genres: Religion, Science, Mathematics

196 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1980

Reviews

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for really weird books, and what could be weirder than applying game theory to famous biblical stories?

Ultimately, it's a little light on the math and a little heavy on the interpretation, but his interpretations are ever-fascinating. Brams has such an unconventional take on many stories that it's sort of mind-warping sometimes, particularly his theological interpretations. Although I should mention that he's frequently more literal to the story than I am, even growing up evangelical, where literalism is the main methodology. So, in that sense, he's probably being more fair to the written word than I -- with all the previous knowledge floating around in my brain--would be.

My main complaint is that sometimes he ascribes motivations to the characters that I can't make sense of--although it's safe to assume he's given it way more thought than I have. Also, I didn't run through the game matrix to see if my interpretation would make a difference to the outcome, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Also, I should complain that a large portion of the book is spent re-telling the stories. If I were writing it, I would just sum things up and assume my reader were familiar with the stories--what people, unfamiliar with biblical stories, would be reading this book?--but this is a stylistic complaint, not a topical or factual one.

Anyway, how often do you run across a book in the "Mathematical Theology" section?

[Halid V. Orman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Theory is sound and offers insights otherwise unfathomable, yet the conclusive remarks of the author go way beyond the analysis and render themselves as blatant biases. The Theory and its methodology applied to humanities is itself enough of an accomplishment. Despite the author's constrained vision as to the causes and deductions from the biblical games, book retains its treasure and shall pave for further analysis into the matter and mode.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful, and like I would have read it either way for its premise but it is lacking in math.

[Trey Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

As random and unconventional as this book might appear, I have probably mentioned this book more times than any other book I've read about game theory. If you're looking for the extreme mathematics that you would expect in a traditional game theory text, you will be sorely mistaken. But for those of us who just want to think about how the logic of game theory can be applied to gain new insight on classic questions, I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Frank Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.
Why is God so enigmatic in the Old Testament? He wants us to believe through faith, not evidence.