Reading Joshua as Christian Scripture

In Reading Joshua as Christian Scripture, Volume 1, Douglas S. Earl addresses the complex task of interpreting the book of Joshua within a modern theological framework. This scholarly work in biblical criticism and interpretation examines how Christians can engage with the text despite significant historical and ethical challenges. Earl utilizes recent anthropological approaches to myth alongside a rigorous literary analysis to argue that the narrative should not be viewed merely as a historical account of conquest. Instead, the text functioned to reshape community identity through the creation of a new cultural memory rooted in the traditions of Deuteronomy.

This volume contributes to the fields of Old Testament studies, Christian theology, and biblical studies by reconsidering the spiritual sense of Scripture. By applying the narrative hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur and exploring the role of symbolism, Earl connects ancient Israelite contexts with contemporary understandings of faithfulness. Reading Joshua as Christian Scripture provides a sophisticated perspective on how this biblical book continues to shape religious identity and historical interpretation.