A Palestinian Christian theologian shows how the reality of empire shapes the context of the biblical story, and the ongoing experience of Middle East conflict.
Christians have lived in Palestine since the earliest days of the Jesus movement, yet they are often unheard and ignored in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With both lament and hope, Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac offers a theology of the land and a vision for a shared land that belongs to God, where there are no second-class citizens of any kind.
"I am glad to commend Stephen Sizer's groundbreaking critique of Christian Zionism. His comprehensive overview of its roots, its theological basis, and its political consequences is very timely. I myself believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with biblical faith. Stephen's book has helped to reinforce this conviction."--Rev. Dr. John Stott"I believe Stephen Sizer is one of the most authoritative scholars in the world on the vital issue of Christian Zionism. He is a very important voice speaking out against this destructive movement that is killing us [Palestinians] through its theology." --Canon Naim Ateek"Stephen Sizer's Christian Zionism: Road Map to Armageddon? is essential reading for any Western evangelical trying to understand the religious dimensions of American support for Israel. Sizer writes as an insider within the church, not as a critic watching from afar. And he shows with exacting clarity how evangelical eschatology has now embedded itself in a modern political ideology. One quick read of this book will change anyone's perspective on the Middle East permanently." --Professor Gary M. Burge"Congratulations on Christian Zionism. The index alone makes my mouth water, since this is the scholarly treatment to counteract the rabid prophecy pack for which I had been searching. I couldn't be happier that this is published. You and I see eye to eye on this issue. . . . Yours is a true prophetic voice so badly needed in the current prophecy frenzy. And when this mania also affects national and international policy, the danger takes on larger proportions."--Professor Paul Maier"Stephen Sizer's work on Christian Zionism is the most important and comprehensive on the subject to date and should be read by all students of the Middle East and by Christians concerned about a just resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Christian Zionism raises vital theological and political challenges that must be addressed head-on by Christians in the West, particularly evangelicals. The impact of this terribly misguided movement is increasingly putting Christians in the Middle East at risk, and it seems a far cry from the witness and message of Jesus Christ."--Dr Donald Wagner"This study of Christian Zionism, based on Stephen Sizer's doctoral thesis, is of seminal significance. It provides a fascinating survey of the history of Christian Zionism and an in-depth analysis of the theology of this highly important and influential movement."--Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok
What does the evangelical church in Palestine think about the land, the end times, the Holocaust, peace in the Middle East, loving enemies, Christian Zionism, the State of Israel, and the possibilities of a Palestinian state? For the first time ever, Palestinian evangelicals along with evangelicals from the United States and Europe have converged to explore these and other crucial topics. Although Jews, Muslims, and Christians from a variety of traditions have participated in discussions and work regarding Israel and Palestine, this book presents theological, biblical, and political perspectives and arguments from Palestinian evangelicals who are praying, hoping, and working for a just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
"Palestinians and Israeli Jews live in one land, yet as two distinct communities, each of which claims ownership of the same territory. How are we to understand the divine promise pertaining to the land? Did God promise the land exclusively to the Jewish people? Do the Palestinians have a right to live in the land, or does God want them to leave? After affirming important Palestinian Evangelical concerns, The Land of Christ challenges the argument that God gave the land to Israel. Yohanna Katanacho asks: (1) What are the borders of the land? (2) Who is Israel? (3) How did God give Israel the land? Through careful biblical exegesis, the book responds to these questions, exposing the superficiality of many slogans and claims. Then the book presents an alternative biblical theology of the land. However, the theology of the land in this book is intimately associated with the context in Israel/Palestine. The Palestinian Kairos Document is the most accepted representative of the current Palestinian context and theology. The book unpacks this document and extrapolates on its theology of the land. Finally, the author does not leave the reader without hope. Katanacho portrays Hagar as a symbol of hope and considers the Korahite Psalms from the perspective of refugees. "
A Palestinian Christian pastor relates the untold powerful and inspirational stories of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, stories that prove that even in the midst of conflict and war, the hope and the desire for true peace can still exist. Original.