In the Bible, there are a range of references related to violence. It is a reoccurring theme in the Old and New Testament. The acts of violence are either at the hand of God as a form of divine retribution against the sins of man or acts of jealousy and revenge by the mortal cast of characters. Three dominant examples in the Bible would be the story of Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark and the eventual crusifiction of Jesus.
             The first act of physical violence, in the Bible, is associated with jealousy. however, they are first people to form a structural community with God. They are both given a responsibility. Both of them being different from each other directly relates to God. "...in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock" (Genesis 4.3-4). The emphasis on God is a central figure of superior power. God gives praise to Abel, not to Cain. To obtain this kind of admiration from one with so much power gives us pleasure, as well. And the ones that cannot receive this praise tend to eventually have low self-esteem. "And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and his offering he had no respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell" (Genesis 4. 4-5). Abel's offering of the fatty parts of the firstlings of his flock is acceptable, while Cain's offering of the fruit of the ground is not. This makes Cain angry and, naturally, jealous. The reflex of jealousy leads Cain to violence. "Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him" (Genesis 4. 8). Cain reacts violently and Cain and Abel are as a result, punished by God. God, however, seems to be furious because his benefits are lost.
             Later in Genesis, God notices "that the wickedness of man was great in the earth" (Genesis 6. 5). God is upset with the fact that m
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