[This is the fourth in a multi-part series on Joshua and Violence. To catch up, read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3] The battle of Jericho exerts a powerful hold on the imagination of Jews and Christians. It shows up in most kids Bibles, and thus from an early age shapes opinions about the book’s […]
Joshua and Violence (Part 3): Negotiating with the Enemy
[This is part 3 of a multi-part series on Joshua and Violence. Click HERE for part 1 and HERE for part 2] Today is Maundy Thursday, a day when Christians remember and re-enact the last supper. Upon re-reading the episode in Luke 22, I’m reminded of Jesus’ willingness to share a meal with a known enemy, one from his most […]
Joshua and Violence (Part 1)
I was once asked to lead a Bible study at my church. I agreed before learning that the subject was ‘Genocide in the Bible.’ I’d never before taught on the subject, and in fact, I had very little teaching experience in general at that point. So I did the logical thing, I opened the book […]