Understanding Warfare in The Book of Joshua From a Theological Perspective Student: Juan-Carlos Ortiz | SID #: 400491144 MTS Program OLDTEST -OT 3XJ3 (original) (raw)

This paper explores the theological implications of warfare depicted in the Book of Joshua, addressing the tension between the portrayal of God in the Old Testament and the New Testament. It argues that the violence attributed to divine commands must be understood as part of God's judgment against sin, rather than ethnic cleansing, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's mercy and redemptive plan in Scripture. The study critically evaluates the concept of 'holy war' within a modern context, proposing that the accounts of battle serve a larger purpose in God's overarching narrative of redemption and the establishment of a peaceful kingdom.