The book of Joshua
The book of Joshua
An orthodox perspective on war
Author(s): Adrian VasileSubject(s): Theology and Religion, History of Religion
Published by: EDIS- Publishing Institution of the University of Zilina
Keywords: war; holy war; violent; Canaan; symbol; Joshua; pagan peoples;
Summary/Abstract: In the Old Testament, we do not always find texts or histories lacking in violence or war, perhaps because ancient Israel did not enjoy peaceful times. Israel actively participated in various conflicts with neighboring peoples and theologized about that war. Israel, on the other hand, suffered from the war and considered this suffering as directly related to Yahweh's plans. Israel has grown and developed as a culture and nation in the context of empires whose domination strategies have certainly included war. That is why the Old Testament texts contain the whole range of attitudes and experiences related to war. The Book of Joshua does not transmit historical information, but rather a theological message that God protects the chosen people and provides the guarantee of a fulfilled life, and the condition of fulfilling these promises is linked to absolute fidelity to Yahweh.
Journal: Dialogo
- Issue Year: 5/2018
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 113-120
- Page Count: 7
- Language: English