This hit like a thunderclap from Sinai—with the God of Love whispering, “Finally, someone gets it.” We’ve been baptizing blood for millennia and calling it holy, while Jesus keeps showing up barefoot, handing out fish, and asking why we’re still playing Caesar’s game. Thank you for tracing the arc from storm god to slain lamb so clearly. Most churches still worship Joshua; they just say his name with a Greek accent.
May we unlearn empire and remember the rebel who said, “Put away your sword.”
excellent examination of the mythic nature of the Bible. People want to believe in the Bible as historical record and dismiss the power of myth. But myth is far more powerful than history. we have evolved to the story tellers. And stories move us to action like nothing else.
I've had most of the pieces but never put them together like you have. Enlightening. Two quibbles: 1) As anthropologists discovered in the later 20th century, oral histories can be more accurate than Western scholars have generally acknowledged; 2) Archeology has found evidence of some of the battles and even earthquake destruction of Jericho that may coincide with Joshua's campaign and later.
But those do not negate the idea that God has been revealed throughout history according to the ability of the people to comprehend God. That we find ourselves back to a religion of empire and not grace as Jesus taught is, perhaps, the greatest indictment of our current culture if not humanity as a whole.
Thanks, Marty! I don’t doubt that many of the foundational stories - like the second creation account - were preserved pretty well orally. I don’t think that makes them historical though - just well-preserved myths. And the Jericho thing I read a study on somewhere. Seems like the “walls” they found were dated much earlier (or later? don’t remember) than a historic Joshua would’ve existed. But, all that is just fun stuff to study and talk about. Appreciate your comment and being a part of this!
Yes, dating in archeology is always a challenge, especially with earlier finds and especially where there are so many agendas! I remember a church hike in the Cascades where the guest speaker insisted that God had made the rocks with seashell fossils in situ. That attitude is often found in archeology & paleontology. Newer finds that support some of the ancient places but challenge timelines and Western ideology have been enlightening on many levels.
My goodness, I thought I knew a lot about this but nowhere near enough. Yes, it is time to return to the God of Love, we can't do anything but show love and know that kindness and love are the biggest threat to the dominant systems of the world today. They won't tremble but they can be undone
This hit like a thunderclap from Sinai—with the God of Love whispering, “Finally, someone gets it.” We’ve been baptizing blood for millennia and calling it holy, while Jesus keeps showing up barefoot, handing out fish, and asking why we’re still playing Caesar’s game. Thank you for tracing the arc from storm god to slain lamb so clearly. Most churches still worship Joshua; they just say his name with a Greek accent.
May we unlearn empire and remember the rebel who said, “Put away your sword.”
We need a pacifist army of virgin monk boys to pull this off.
excellent examination of the mythic nature of the Bible. People want to believe in the Bible as historical record and dismiss the power of myth. But myth is far more powerful than history. we have evolved to the story tellers. And stories move us to action like nothing else.
You’re speaking my language, my friend!
I've had most of the pieces but never put them together like you have. Enlightening. Two quibbles: 1) As anthropologists discovered in the later 20th century, oral histories can be more accurate than Western scholars have generally acknowledged; 2) Archeology has found evidence of some of the battles and even earthquake destruction of Jericho that may coincide with Joshua's campaign and later.
But those do not negate the idea that God has been revealed throughout history according to the ability of the people to comprehend God. That we find ourselves back to a religion of empire and not grace as Jesus taught is, perhaps, the greatest indictment of our current culture if not humanity as a whole.
Thanks, Marty! I don’t doubt that many of the foundational stories - like the second creation account - were preserved pretty well orally. I don’t think that makes them historical though - just well-preserved myths. And the Jericho thing I read a study on somewhere. Seems like the “walls” they found were dated much earlier (or later? don’t remember) than a historic Joshua would’ve existed. But, all that is just fun stuff to study and talk about. Appreciate your comment and being a part of this!
Yes, dating in archeology is always a challenge, especially with earlier finds and especially where there are so many agendas! I remember a church hike in the Cascades where the guest speaker insisted that God had made the rocks with seashell fossils in situ. That attitude is often found in archeology & paleontology. Newer finds that support some of the ancient places but challenge timelines and Western ideology have been enlightening on many levels.
My God your writing is good. Pithy summaries with both academic chops and real life language for normal people. I LOVE it.
Thank you! I appreciate the compliment. Feels like it belongs on a book cover :)
Whoa. Paradigm shifting again.
That means you’re doing it right. :)
My goodness, I thought I knew a lot about this but nowhere near enough. Yes, it is time to return to the God of Love, we can't do anything but show love and know that kindness and love are the biggest threat to the dominant systems of the world today. They won't tremble but they can be undone
🙏🏼
Sharp, gutsy writing and a challenge.
Joe, everyday you teach me something new. Thank you
Well said, Joe. Thank you!