Description: A challenging new analysis of the Book of Joshua, arguing that the accounts of genocidal slaughter by the Israelites are to be understood as myth rather than history, and that they are by no means devoid of valuable theological insight.
Review Quotes: 'The fruits of Earl's approach are not dissimilar to the result of reading the book of Joshua as 'story'. His originality lies in the way he conscripts Turner and Kunin to bolster his case for reading it as myth. Readers who are prepared to follow him on the journey will find this a challenging and stimulating book, even if they disagree with him.'John J. Bimson in The Expository Times, Vol. 124 (1), October 2012'These books [The Joshua Delusion? along with Reading Joshua as Christian Scripture, by the same author] are definitely worth reading. Earl's treatment of myth is useful, and his discussion of the narrative of Joshua is also quite helpful. [...] Also to be commended is his willingness, particularly in JD, to address issues which can be somewhat sensitive within his own Evangelical Christian community.'Anthony Milner in Gregorianum, Vol. 93 (2012).