Dia 84: O Sol Fica Parado - A Bíblia em um Ano (com Pe. Mike Schmitz)

Summary

In this podcast episode, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the biblical stories from Joshua 10 and 11, reflecting on the miraculous events such as the sun standing still during battle. He discusses the complex relationship between faith and science, emphasizing that true faith and science are never in conflict, as both seek truth. Father Mike also explores the difficult yet profound themes of violence in the book of Joshua, noting that while such battles are not part of God’s original plan for peace, they result from humanity’s brokenness. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to reflect on God's desire for peace and unity in the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast 'The Bible in a Year' is hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and features a daily reading of the Bible, using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline as its guide.
• 😀 Today’s reading covers Joshua 10 and 11, detailing battles Israel fought and their victories under God's guidance.
• 😀 Joshua 10 includes the dramatic moment where the sun and moon seemingly stop in the sky, a miraculous event that some question from a scientific perspective but can be seen as a divine act.
• 😀 The idea of science and faith being complementary is emphasized—good science seeks truth, and good faith seeks the truth about God, without contradiction.
• 😀 The concept of miracles is discussed, with reference to the 1917 Fatima miracle, suggesting that miraculous events like the one in Joshua 10 could be possible even in modern times.
• 😀 The script acknowledges the difficulties in understanding violence in the Bible, stressing that God’s ultimate plan is peace and reconciliation among all peoples, not violence.
• 😀 Father Mike discusses how the violent acts in Joshua are not part of God's original plan but occur as a result of human fallenness and brokenness.
• 😀 God's plan for humanity is peace—peace with Him, peace with each other, and peace within ourselves, which will ultimately be realized in the new creation.
• 😀 The narrative of the Israelites’ conquests illustrates God fighting for His people, showing that even in troubling times, He is actively involved in the unfolding of His divine plan.
• 😀 The script encourages prayer for one another, recognizing the challenges of understanding difficult passages, and highlights the importance of trusting God’s wisdom as we continue the journey of faith.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Padre Mike Schmitz's podcast episode?

The main focus is a reflection on the Book of Joshua, specifically the campaigns in Joshua chapters 10 and 11, as well as the reading of Psalm 128. Padre Mike also discusses the challenges of understanding divine intervention, such as the miracle of the sun stopping, and the connection between faith and science.

Why does Padre Mike mention the story of the sun stopping in Joshua 10?

Padre Mike addresses the sun stopping in Joshua 10 because some people might see it as contradicting modern scientific understanding. He emphasizes that faith and science both seek truth and can coexist, suggesting that the event could either be a literal miracle or a poetic description of an overwhelming victory.

How does Padre Mike compare the events in Joshua to the miracle at Fatima?

Padre Mike compares the sun stopping in Joshua 10 to the 'Miracle of the Sun' in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. He highlights that while both events may seem impossible according to natural laws, they were witnessed by many people and can be understood as miracles, with the Fatima miracle specifically involving the sun appearing to dance in the sky.

What is Padre Mike's perspective on the relationship between science and faith?

Padre Mike believes that good faith and good science never contradict each other because both are seeking the truth. He explains that science investigates natural truths, while faith explores supernatural truths, and when both are pursued genuinely, they align in the search for understanding.

Why does Padre Mike say that the violence in the Book of Joshua is not God's original plan?

Padre Mike clarifies that while the Book of Joshua describes violence and destruction, this is not God's original plan. He explains that God's original desire for humanity was peace, harmony, and unity. The violence in Joshua is a result of human sin and disunity, not God's intended path for His people.

What does Padre Mike suggest about the nature of God's involvement in battles in the Bible?

Padre Mike acknowledges that while God is depicted as being involved in battles in the Bible, it is important to remember that these wars were consequences of human brokenness and not part of God’s original design. God’s ultimate plan is to restore peace and unity, as seen in the ultimate vision of peace in the Book of Revelation.

What does Psalm 128 contribute to the message of the podcast episode?

Psalm 128 contributes a message of peace and blessing for those who follow the Lord. It highlights the joys of living a righteous life, including prosperity, family harmony, and divine favor. This theme aligns with Padre Mike's broader message of God's desire for peace, despite the struggles described in the Book of Joshua.

What does Padre Mike mean by saying that the Book of Joshua is a story of 'humanity's fragmentation'?

Padre Mike uses the phrase 'humanity’s fragmentation' to describe the disunity and conflict present in the world, which is evident in the battles described in Joshua. He emphasizes that these conflicts are a consequence of human sin and the failure to live in harmony with God and one another.

How does Padre Mike encourage listeners to view the challenging parts of the Bible, such as the violence in Joshua?

Padre Mike encourages listeners to approach difficult parts of the Bible, like the violence in Joshua, with the understanding that these actions were not part of God’s original plan. Instead, they reflect the brokenness of humanity. He suggests that by continuing to read and trust in God’s plan, we can move towards a future of peace and unity.

What does Padre Mike hope for the listeners as they reflect on the readings in Joshua?

Padre Mike hopes that listeners will gain a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for peace and unity, despite the difficult and violent events in Joshua. He encourages them to trust in God’s larger vision for the world and to continue praying for peace and reconciliation, both in their personal lives and in the world.