DeepSummary
Fr. Mike begins by discussing the story of the sun standing still in Joshua 10, and how some may see it as contradicting scientific understanding. However, he explains that faith and science never truly contradict when both pursue truth properly. He provides the example of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima in 1917 as a potential parallel to this biblical event.
Fr. Mike then addresses the violence and warfare described in Joshua, acknowledging that it can be troubling since it seems to go against God's nature as the Prince of Peace. He reminds listeners that this is not part of God's original plan for humanity, which was one of harmony and unity. The violence is a result of human brokenness.
Finally, Fr. Mike emphasizes that despite the messiness along the way, God's ultimate desire is for all peoples to be united and at peace. The end of the biblical story reveals a multitude from every nation gathered together as one holy family.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Faith and science, when properly pursued, cannot contradict each other because both seek truth.
- The violence in Joshua's conquest stems from human brokenness, not from God's original plan of peace and harmony.
- God's ultimate desire is for the unity and peace of all peoples, despite the difficulties along the way.
- The miracle of the sun standing still could be interpreted either literally or poetically.
- The end of the biblical story reveals God's vision of all nations united as one holy family.
- Struggles and division exist, but God wants to bring rest and an end to conflict.
- Scripture uses metaphorical language at times to convey spiritual truths.
- Apparent conflicts between faith and science often result from misunderstandings on either side.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “God's original plan is not death, is not destruction, is not violence. It is only a result of our broken humanity and our brokenness that God allows in his plan what we just read and what we're going to read in the next couple of days, because the book of Joshua is a book of violence, and it's a book of violence in which God is somehow mysteriously but actually involved.“ by Father Mike Schmitz
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
3/24/24
Fr. Mike offers us different ways we can interpret the miracle of the sun standing still in Joshua 10, and also reminds us that God always desires unity for us even though we often face war and division in this world. Today's readings are Joshua 10-11, and Psalm 128.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.