SAHS: Reading Joshua and Judges as Christian Scripture: Hermeneutical Reflections

The Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar continues its multiyear project exploring difficult texts as Christian Scripture. The focus for 2026 is Joshua and Judges.

If we believe, with the Apostle Paul, that ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for the list of formative characteristics in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, then that includes Joshua and Judges. But this raises the all-important question: how do Joshua and Judges form and shape us into the people God is calling us to be in Christ? To explore this question, we will gather for 3 online events (March, June, and September) to consider questions of hermeneutics, intertextuality / reception history, and formation. Our in-person gathering at November’s IBR/SBL conferences in Denver will be a summative session and dialogue. We hope this work will strengthen and encourage our academic engagement with these books for the sake of the Church.

This first event focuses on hermeneutical considerations and will feature two presentations, from Dr Dave Beldman and Fr. Paul Béré, SJ. There will be some time for discussion and we will aim to close the session within the hour.