Eschatological Continuity

The third chapter in the book Show Them No Mercy presented a viewpoint called eschatological continuity. The 30-second synopsis: The author suggests that the canaanite genocide was the first in an event in a trajectory toward the future final genocide in the end of times. That genocide will be based upon wickedness and evilness and will be carried out entirely by God, whereas the canaanite genocide had more to do with occupation of land, wickedness, and was carried out through a collaboration between Israel and God.

The authors basic assertions were called into question by the responders insofar as they saw evidence to the contrary of supporting a sort of trajectory or development of end-times ideas in the canaanite genocide texts.

This essay didnt go too far to explain the moral or ethical implications inherent in genocide, although he did spend a lot of effort showing how Israel's actions were very similar to surrounding cultures, and that genocide as military conquest seemed similar between Israel and other nations.

I am left with my frustration about trying to weigh the balance between trusting the biblical text on the one hand, and understanding genocide on the other hand. When one attempts to look at the motivation between genocide of one people vs. salvation of another, it seems to devolve into the sort of Calvinistic ambiguity of apparently random choice of some to salvation and others to doom. (I hesitate writing this next sentence...) I dont know if I would want to be a Christian if I had to be a Calvinist...it just doesnt seem Christlike enough.

I do not have much hope for the next essay to clarify my qualms. He says that he has a lot in common with the present author. Everyone seems to be in severe disagreement with the first author, and I am torn because I feel like the first author was the only one to capture the heart of Jesus.