This is exactly the type of conversation that evangelicals need to start having if there is any hope to see a meaningful dialogue and witness for Jesus in the Middle East. We've got to end the love affair with Zionism! Check out
Christ at the Checkpoint.
Shane Claiborne on Christ at the Checkpoint 2012 from Christ at the Checkpoint on Vimeo.
It is true that the question of Israel will always create a stumbling block. However, it concerns me to see Christians abandoning Israel in order to be "culturally sensitive".
ReplyDeleteThis blog often focuses on contextualization issues. Is it ever acceptable to contextualize so much that you stop blessing the descendents of the line of promise?
Hi Robert, what do you mean by "abandoning Israel?" Do you think it is possible to be, in Christ, 100% for Israel and 100% for Palestinians?
ReplyDeleteNot if their goals are mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteBut that is really my question. When I am speaking with a Muslim, and they tell me how much they hate Israel, what is my response?
Robert,
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to lead people to think I am "abandoning Israel" - it's just that Christians often forget that they have more in common with an Arab who is a Christian than a Jew who is not. We can't forget that. When we do, it leads to big problems, both theologically and practically!
When Muslims tell me how much they hate Israel, I say to them, "What are you doing for the Palestinians other than complaining? I volunteer to help them, raise money for them, etc." That usually stops them in their tracks! Most Muslims like to use the Israel/Palestine issue like fireworks, nothing more. I also sometimes take a Muslim to the Bible and show them that all the prophets (including Jesus) were Jews, so they better not talk bad about Jews!
abdul,
ReplyDeleteI agree that that for all the talk about helping the Palestinians, no Arab country is will to step up and actually help them. Even rich countries who are near in proximity such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt will do nothing other than rail against Israel.
I also agree that getting a Muslim to actually look into the Bible is clearly the best way to go. I have found Muslims very resistant to ever reading the Bible, even though the Qur'an instructs them to do so.