Interpreting Joshua: Canaanite Destruction and Welcoming the Stranger

Joshua tells the story of Israel’s annihilation of the Canaanite people groups, at the command of Yahweh, with little regret save that Israel didn’t complete the task. In recent commentary this book has understandably been charged with authorizing violent atrocities and of undermining a positive biblical ethic of love. So then, how are faith communities to understand this book? How may we reconcile Joshua with the prophetic voice of justice in the Hebrew Bible or with the love of Christ in the New Testament?

Optional additional afternoon seminar for 3.0 credits in MDiv or MA program
MDiv or MA students needing 3 credits in Hebrew Bible will participate in a further three-hour afternoon seminar that will engage in further close exegesis of the text and seek to understand the scholarly discussion on Joshua. Only those taking the course for degree credit may participate in the afternoon seminar.

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