34: The Hardest Story in the Bible (for me)

In this episode of The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings grapple with the challenging and often disturbing narratives found in the book of Joshua, particularly the accounts of mass slaughter and genocide. Marty shares his personal struggle with reconciling these stories with the broader themes of God's love and justice found elsewhere in the scriptures. They explore the historical and archaeological evidence, or lack thereof, for the conquest of Canaan, and consider the possibility that the book employs the genre of conquest narrative common in the ancient world. They discuss the cultural context of the Canaanites, including their fertility cults and practice of infant sacrifice, while also highlighting instances within the book of Joshua that suggest a different ethic, such as the saving of Rahab and the Gibeonites. The hosts emphasize the importance of being strong and courageous, and supporting one another in the face of life's challenges.