Big Ideas · 24 · The Other
Why is the Bible so full of war?
Not because ancient Israel was especially warlike. Wars are when communities expect everyone to contribute, and memories of war decide who belongs.
War memories negotiate belonging.
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Marginalized groups have always claimed rights by pointing to their wartime service. Biblical scribes embellished and even invented battles to honor some groups and question others. Unlike royal inscriptions that glorify the king, biblical war memories spread credit widely.
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 381–382
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