So far, there have been three references to Joshua:
(i) This Biblical book is quoted in i, pp. 1-2. See Beginning A Midsummer Tempest.
(ii) It is referred to in xvi, p. 142. See Two Bible Books On One Page.
(iii) Next, Will says:
"'...I make no doubt Joshua's troops entered the Promised Land complainin' o' that bad milk an' worse honey what war issued them.'" (xix, p. 166)
Perhaps it is time to comment that a deity telling His Chosen People to conquer their Promised Land and to slaughter its inhabitants is not a good idea?
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Of course Will is right, soldiers will always grouse and grumble about their rations!
As for the more serious point you raised, the alternative view is that the ancient Jews had a naive and ferocious view of YHWH! Which is something I believe should be expected of all nations when they were barbarians. I also pointed out to Stirling in "Mutable Pantheons" that the Jews became much more civilized as time passed, citing two examples of that more advanced stage from the books of Kings.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
I agree that the Bible presents evolving ideas of God, starting with some anthropomorphic and even polytheist ideas, but surely that is different from saying that it presents a direct revelation from God?
Paul.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
But I do believe the OT/NT were divinely inspired scriptures. But I also believe God patiently worked thru weak and imperfect men, whose understanding of Him had to be refined, purified, improved, etc., as time passed. And that revelation culminated with the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ.
Ad astra! Sean
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