Christianity in History In this lesson we transition from our study of the bible to dealing with the historical issues the Christian apologist often encounters. We begin our examination of a number of issues from history that are often raised in objection to Christianity. What are three kinds of issues the Christian apologist needs to be prepared to address regarding history? One of the objections often raised has to do with the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites as recorded in the Old Testament. What is the importance of understanding the culture and times of the Ancient Near East (ANE) in properly understanding the Old Testament war narratives? How do people often treat the narratives in the bible about the conquest of Canaan unfairly? How does one’s view of reality influence their view regarding the Old Testament war narratives? What do we mean by Israel’s “epistemic warrant” for engaging in the conquest of Canaan? What were the Canaanites like? How does the biblical understanding of God bear on the question of the conquest of Canaan. Was God justified in judging the Canaanites? Did the Canaanites have ample knowledge of their sin and of what was right, and warning of impending judgment? Why has Christianity not viewed God’s conquest commands as a justification for religious violence or religious wars?
Lesson 35: Review Questions
Lesson 35: Lesson Notes

Tags: History, Canaan