Welcome to Apologetics with Carl Kerby!
Today, we’re talking about the conquest of the Canaanites.
Bible critics have long called Israel’s destruction of the Canaanites “genocide,” scoffing that a loving God could have commanded Israel to kill. However, these critics ignore three important facts about the conquest: 1) In Deuteronomy 20:10-15, God specifically told Israel to offer terms of peace to Canaanite nations before attacking them – those turning to God, such as Rahab, were spared; 2) the Canaanites were a very wicked people, practicing such evils as child sacrifice, and deserved a holy God’s judgement; and 3) the Canaanites’ influence would corrupt the Israelites’ ability to be a light to the world if left unchecked – and that’s exactly what happened!
As theologian Norman Geisler said, “God’s purpose in these instances was to destroy the corrupt nation because the national structure was inherently evil, not to destroy people if they were willing to repent.” But what about supposed church atrocities throughout history? We’ll discuss that another time.
For additional resources, go to www.hopetools.net. Stay bold!
Carl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America, Saturdays at 9:25 AM Central.
