Of course, conquest always involves war, so let’s start with
a modern war story. Suppose a couple of generations from now, someone reads a story
which describes the “conquest of Iraq.” In this story, American troops, guided
by God, drive into Iraq. They surround the city where Saddam Hussein is hiding.
They block the roads and announce that anyone who chooses to become American
will be spared. Crowds and crowds leave the city, all chanting “We are
Americans,” and go free. Finally, when the city’s almost empty, the soldiers
march in and find Saddam Hussein cowering in a bunker. They say to him,
“America forgives you,” and let him go.
D’you think anyone will believe that story? Why not?
And if the Bible stories of Israelite tribes moving into
Canaan were similarly bloodless and forgiving, would you believe them?
Rereading the Bible now, in the light of modern
understanding of tribal culture, historical context, geography, and yes, even
military strategy, the story of the Jews in Canaan makes perfect sense—it
sounds authentic; it even sounds like it comes from eye-witness accounts, which
makes me trust the Bible’s version of history; and that makes it easier for me
to declare with confidence what I already believe, that the Bible’s version of
spirituality is accurate too.
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