Resources
Here some resources that I recommend regarding Palestine/Israel:
Books
Palestinian Memories, by Alex Awad.
"The Revered Alex Awad has been for few decades engaging Western Christian explaining to them the Arab – Israeli conflict from a Palestinian Christian point of view. He has been able to touch the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of people. This book reflects his heart and mind and makes his arguments accessible to an even-larger audience. Thousands of copies have already been sold and the demand for the book is increasing all the time. Gladly, Revered Awad decided to produce a second edition that updates the book and adds to its insights integrating thousands of responses since the first edition appeared. In short, the excellent first edition which is now out of print is even better with the second edition that includes wonderful maps, a postscript, appendices, and even few more insights". (Y. Katanacho)
Light Force, by Brother Andrew. God's smuggler narrates his personal journey and discovery of the church in the Middle East. A Very powerful book. Also available at amazon.
The Land of Christ. A Palestinian Cry, by Yohanna Katanacho. Theology of the Land, from a Palestinian Evangelical perspective.
"Most Christian reflection on the land of Israel-Palestine (my own included) has been done in the comfortable studies of western academics. So it is a bitter-sweet joy to read this one written by a son of that very soil, Yohanna Katanachou. "Bitter", not because the author gives vent to bitterness (on the contrary, his language and his life are filled with costly Christlike love), but because the context from which he writes is filled with such suffering and seemingly intractable conflict. And yet "sweet", because he affirms that Christ is the true owner of the land, and that in Christ and in the reign of God that was announced by him on that same soil, there is hope for the future (the only hope). His portrayal of Hagar as a symbol of hope is poignantly powerful. The author exposes the unsustainable shallowness of so many slogans and claims that are bandied about as biblical, and replaces them with careful and comprehensive biblical exegesis that takes Old and New Testament texts seriously. And his exposition of the Kairos Document gives the book a timeliness and urgency that must be heard. If there is hope for the land and its present inhabitants, it can only lie in the unfathomable truth that has been the wellspring of biblical faith since Moses first heard it at Sinai, which the author's name embodies - "The LORD is gracious." (Christopher J. H. Wright).
Christ at the Checkpoint. Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice. Edited by Paul Alexander. Collected article from the talk in the first CATC conference in 2010. Strongly recommended. Includes excellent chapters from Lynne Hybels, Paul Alexander, Tony Campollo, Salim Munayer and many others.
Book Description: "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".
Whose Land? Whose Promise?: What Christians Are Not Being Told about Israel and the Palestinians, by Wheaton professor Gary Burge.
Jesus and the Land: The New Testament Challenge to "Holy Land" Theology, also by Gary Burge. This book is very theological in nature. One of the best books on the theology of the land in the New Testament.
Book description: "This accessible volume describes first-century Jewish and Christian beliefs about the land of Israel and offers a full survey of New Testament passages that directly address the question of land and faith. Respected New Testament scholar Gary M. Burge examines present-day tensions surrounding "territorial religion" in the modern Middle East, helping contemporary Christians develop a Christian theology of the land and assess Bible-based claims in discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle".
Whose Promised Land, by Colin Chapman. One of the best books about the history and the theology of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. Excellent for those with little knowledge of the conflict, theologically and historically.
Book description: "Two peoples, Jews and Palestinian Arabs, lay claim to the same piece of land. But who does it really belong to? Scripture, history, and contemporary politics add to the volatile conflict in the Middle East. Whose Promised Land?, now in a fully revised and updated fifth edition, provides an evenhanded approach to this complex dilemma.
The book begins with the history of the territory, explaining the development of the conflict and the complexity of the issues. The second section surveys biblical teaching on the theme of the land, both from the Old Testament point of view and the perspective of Jesus and his followers. Building on the analysis of history and the biblical studies, the final part examines the major contemporary forces affecting the conflict today. Unlike many evangelical Christian books on the topic, Whose Promised Land? does not automatically assume a pro-Israel stance, but seeks to present an honest appraisal of modern Israel while clearly delineating the interrelated issues surrounding the crisis in the Middle East".
Justice and Only Justice. A Palestinian Theology of Liberation, by Naim Ateek. A very passionate cry for justice for the Palestinians. Emphasizes justice. Rooted in the liberation theology tradition. Rev. Ateek is the founder of Sabeel.
Book description: "This captivating bestseller by a clergyman and leader of the Palestine Christian community examines the problems and prospects for Palestinians, Jews, and Christians in the Middle East".
A Palestinian Cry for Reconciliation. Also by Naim Ateek. Building on the first book.
"In this vitally important book, Canon Ateek identifies the major principles or building blocks upon which a just and lasting peace can and must be built. Canon Ateek strikes at the heart of the conflict and fearlessly addresses the major obstacles to peace, not least the unconditional support successive US administrations have afforded Israel. Canon Ateek warns prophetically, "Only when justice is done and Palestinians can celebrate their own independence will a comprehensive peace be felt throughout the land. As long as one side celebrates while the other mourns, no authentic celebration or peace is possible"". (Stephen Sizer)
Blood Brothers, by Elias Chacour. A classic book. Personal story of Fr. Chacour.
Book description: "As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their Jewish neighbors. But early in 1947, their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million forced into refugee camps. An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world's misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: "Blessed are the peacemakers."
In Blood Brothers, Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as "What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?", "What does Bible prophecy really have to say?", and "Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?" Originally published by Chosen Books in 1984 and now expanded with a new introduction by the author, a new foreword by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and a "Since Then" epilogue by writer David Hazard, this compelling book offers readers hope-filled insight into living at peace in the most volatile region of the world.
Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon? By Stephen Sizer. A strong study on the history and theology of Christian Zionism.
Book description: "Evangelicals are increasingly polarized over whether Christian Zionism is biblical and orthodox or unbiblical and cultic. In this book Stephen Sizer provides a thorough examination of the historical development, variant forms, theological emphases and political implications of Christian Zionism. His excellent and informative survey is interwoven with critical assessment that repudiates both nationalistic Zionism and anti-Semitism".
Zion's Christian Soldiers?: The Bible, Israel and the Church, also by Stephen Sizer. A response to popular Christian Zionist theology. With a chapter by John Stott.
I am a Palestinian Christian, by Mitri Raheb. Lutheran Pastor in Bethlehem.
Book description: "Raheb, a Christian pastor in Bethlehem, explores the recent history of the Palestinian Christians, and the complex meeting of the world's three major monotheistic religions".
Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land, by Mark Braverman. A Jewish voice for justice for the Palestinians and a critique to Western Christianity' unconditional support to Israel.
The Land Cries Out: Theology of the Land in the Israeli-Palestinian Context. Edited by Salim Munayer and Lisa Loden.
Book description: "The chapters presented in this book form a unique collection of voices speaking from different perspectives on the issue of the theology of the land. These voices include Messianic Jewish and Palestinian Christian theologians and scholars who live in the Holy Land, as well as others from around the world. The various chapters reflect a wide spectrum of opinion and reveal how much disagreement still exists among followers of Christ. However, the dialogue generated by having these opposing voices side by side, speaking to each other rather than past each other, is encouraging. This book is both challenging and inspirational, and contributes in an innovative way to this important discussion".
The Land of Promise. Edited by Peter Walker and Philip Johnston. Collected Essays on the theology of the land from different perspectives.
Videos:
The videos from the second Christ at the Checkpoint conference - Excellent resource! Includes talks from Shane Claiborne, Sami Awad, Colin Chapman, Gary Burge, Sang Bok Daivd Kim, Christ Wright, Doug Birdsall, and many others. All available online for free.
With God on Our Side, by Porter Speakman. 1 Hour 20 minutes DVD that introduces the Palestinian Israeli conflict to Evangelical audience. Well researched, and includes many interviews with theologians and leaders. Cannot endorse it enough! One of the best resources out there to introduce the conflict to Evangelicals! Watch trailer on official website.
Little Town of Bethlehem. A story of a Palestinian Christians, a Palestinian Muslim, and an Israeli Jew, all engaged in nonviolence. Watch trailer on official website.
Description: "This award-winning documentary captures the story of three men born into violence who now risk everything to find a path to peace through non-violent resistance. Sami is a Palestinian Christian, Ahmad a Palestinian Muslim, and Yonatan an Israeli Jew. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, each learned that peace is possible when adversaries discover the humanity in one another. This film offers a model for conflict resolution that reaches far beyond the Holy Land. Winner of the 2011 Reel Rose (Pope John Paul II Film Festival) and Best Oklahoma Film (deadCENTER Film Festival) awards. Written and directed by award-winning director Jim Hanon (End of the Spear, Beyond the Gates of Splendor, The Grandfathers, Miss HIV)".
Statements:
Books
Palestinian Memories, by Alex Awad.
"The Revered Alex Awad has been for few decades engaging Western Christian explaining to them the Arab – Israeli conflict from a Palestinian Christian point of view. He has been able to touch the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of people. This book reflects his heart and mind and makes his arguments accessible to an even-larger audience. Thousands of copies have already been sold and the demand for the book is increasing all the time. Gladly, Revered Awad decided to produce a second edition that updates the book and adds to its insights integrating thousands of responses since the first edition appeared. In short, the excellent first edition which is now out of print is even better with the second edition that includes wonderful maps, a postscript, appendices, and even few more insights". (Y. Katanacho)
Book description: "Light Force is the remarkable story of Brother Andrew's mission to seek out the church in the Middle East, learn about its conditions and needs, and do whatever he can to strengthen what remains. Through dramatic true stories, readers get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at real people affected by the centuries-old conflicts in this volatile part of the world".
"Most Christian reflection on the land of Israel-Palestine (my own included) has been done in the comfortable studies of western academics. So it is a bitter-sweet joy to read this one written by a son of that very soil, Yohanna Katanachou. "Bitter", not because the author gives vent to bitterness (on the contrary, his language and his life are filled with costly Christlike love), but because the context from which he writes is filled with such suffering and seemingly intractable conflict. And yet "sweet", because he affirms that Christ is the true owner of the land, and that in Christ and in the reign of God that was announced by him on that same soil, there is hope for the future (the only hope). His portrayal of Hagar as a symbol of hope is poignantly powerful. The author exposes the unsustainable shallowness of so many slogans and claims that are bandied about as biblical, and replaces them with careful and comprehensive biblical exegesis that takes Old and New Testament texts seriously. And his exposition of the Kairos Document gives the book a timeliness and urgency that must be heard. If there is hope for the land and its present inhabitants, it can only lie in the unfathomable truth that has been the wellspring of biblical faith since Moses first heard it at Sinai, which the author's name embodies - "The LORD is gracious." (Christopher J. H. Wright).
Book Description: "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".
Book description: "A passionate inter-weaving of modern stories, historical study and biblical and theological insight in the quest for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whose Land? Whose Promise? is a passionate and personal set of reflections about the crisis in the Middle East, born out of personal experience, historical and theological study. Untold and heartbreaking stories from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are combined with the insights of a biblical scholar with a passion for justice. Burge wrestles with questions such as: - How do I embrace my commitment to Judaism, a commitment to which I am bound by the Bible, when I sense in my deepest being that there is a profound injustice about Israel? - How do I celebrate the birth of this nation Israel when I also mourn the suffering of Arab Christians who are equally my brothers and sisters in Christ? - How do I love those Palestinian Muslims who are deeply mis understood by all parties in this conflict? This book is a powerful, prophetic call for justice that all Christians with an interest in the Middle East ought to ponder carefully".
Book description: "This accessible volume describes first-century Jewish and Christian beliefs about the land of Israel and offers a full survey of New Testament passages that directly address the question of land and faith. Respected New Testament scholar Gary M. Burge examines present-day tensions surrounding "territorial religion" in the modern Middle East, helping contemporary Christians develop a Christian theology of the land and assess Bible-based claims in discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle".
Book description: "Two peoples, Jews and Palestinian Arabs, lay claim to the same piece of land. But who does it really belong to? Scripture, history, and contemporary politics add to the volatile conflict in the Middle East. Whose Promised Land?, now in a fully revised and updated fifth edition, provides an evenhanded approach to this complex dilemma.
The book begins with the history of the territory, explaining the development of the conflict and the complexity of the issues. The second section surveys biblical teaching on the theme of the land, both from the Old Testament point of view and the perspective of Jesus and his followers. Building on the analysis of history and the biblical studies, the final part examines the major contemporary forces affecting the conflict today. Unlike many evangelical Christian books on the topic, Whose Promised Land? does not automatically assume a pro-Israel stance, but seeks to present an honest appraisal of modern Israel while clearly delineating the interrelated issues surrounding the crisis in the Middle East".
Book description: "This captivating bestseller by a clergyman and leader of the Palestine Christian community examines the problems and prospects for Palestinians, Jews, and Christians in the Middle East".
"In this vitally important book, Canon Ateek identifies the major principles or building blocks upon which a just and lasting peace can and must be built. Canon Ateek strikes at the heart of the conflict and fearlessly addresses the major obstacles to peace, not least the unconditional support successive US administrations have afforded Israel. Canon Ateek warns prophetically, "Only when justice is done and Palestinians can celebrate their own independence will a comprehensive peace be felt throughout the land. As long as one side celebrates while the other mourns, no authentic celebration or peace is possible"". (Stephen Sizer)
Book description: "As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. The townspeople were proud of their ancient Christian heritage and lived at peace with their Jewish neighbors. But early in 1947, their idyllic lifestyle was swept away as tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million forced into refugee camps. An exile in his native land, Elias began a years-long struggle with his love for the Jewish people and the world's misunderstanding of his own people, the Palestinians. How was he to respond? He found his answer in the simple, haunting words of the Man of Galilee: "Blessed are the peacemakers."
In Blood Brothers, Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as "What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?", "What does Bible prophecy really have to say?", and "Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?" Originally published by Chosen Books in 1984 and now expanded with a new introduction by the author, a new foreword by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, and a "Since Then" epilogue by writer David Hazard, this compelling book offers readers hope-filled insight into living at peace in the most volatile region of the world.
Book description: "Evangelicals are increasingly polarized over whether Christian Zionism is biblical and orthodox or unbiblical and cultic. In this book Stephen Sizer provides a thorough examination of the historical development, variant forms, theological emphases and political implications of Christian Zionism. His excellent and informative survey is interwoven with critical assessment that repudiates both nationalistic Zionism and anti-Semitism".
Books description: "Many Bible-believing Christians are convinced that God blesses those nations that stand with Israel and curses those that don't. Stephen Sizer contends that this view is based on misinterpretation of the Bible. He provides an introduction to Christian Zionism and a clear response and positive alternative based on a careful study of relevant biblical texts".
Book description: "Raheb, a Christian pastor in Bethlehem, explores the recent history of the Palestinian Christians, and the complex meeting of the world's three major monotheistic religions".
Book description: "Author Mark Braverman shows how the Jewish quest for safety and empowerment and the Christian endeavor to atone for centuries of anti-Semitism have combined to suppress the conversations needed to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land. Fatal Embrace charts Braverman's journey as an American Jew struggling with the difficult realities of modern Israel. The book vividly describes the spiritual and psychological forces driving the discourse and is a call to action to Americans of all faiths".
The Land Cries Out: Theology of the Land in the Israeli-Palestinian Context. Edited by Salim Munayer and Lisa Loden.
Book description: "The chapters presented in this book form a unique collection of voices speaking from different perspectives on the issue of the theology of the land. These voices include Messianic Jewish and Palestinian Christian theologians and scholars who live in the Holy Land, as well as others from around the world. The various chapters reflect a wide spectrum of opinion and reveal how much disagreement still exists among followers of Christ. However, the dialogue generated by having these opposing voices side by side, speaking to each other rather than past each other, is encouraging. This book is both challenging and inspirational, and contributes in an innovative way to this important discussion".
Videos:
"The first obvious challenge of With God On Our Side was articulating a perspective on the Middle East debate anchored in history and sound theology. Porter Speakman has not only met that test, but also delivered one of the clearest assessments of the struggle between Palestinians and Jews, and a US Church largely unaware of their complicity in the current conflict. Speakman's second more ominous challenge will be obtaining an audience, often steeped with established notions, open to wrestling with the film s content. The hope of an ongoing Christian presence in the Holy Land may depend on the success of his message... I dare anyone to see this film and remain unchanged. (Steven W. Haas Vice President/Chief Catalyst World Vision United States).
Description: "This award-winning documentary captures the story of three men born into violence who now risk everything to find a path to peace through non-violent resistance. Sami is a Palestinian Christian, Ahmad a Palestinian Muslim, and Yonatan an Israeli Jew. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, each learned that peace is possible when adversaries discover the humanity in one another. This film offers a model for conflict resolution that reaches far beyond the Holy Land. Winner of the 2011 Reel Rose (Pope John Paul II Film Festival) and Best Oklahoma Film (deadCENTER Film Festival) awards. Written and directed by award-winning director Jim Hanon (End of the Spear, Beyond the Gates of Splendor, The Grandfathers, Miss HIV)".
Statements:
The Christ at the Checkpoint Manifesto. Concise and to the point, and summarizes what we stand for at Christ at the Checkpoint.
Kairos Palestine. Moment of Truth. An ecumenical statement by Palestinian Christians that calls for the end of the Israeli occupation.
Kairos Palestine. Moment of Truth. An ecumenical statement by Palestinian Christians that calls for the end of the Israeli occupation.
Kairos USA. A response to the Kairos Palestine Call by key American Christian leaders.
Maps:
Maps from B'Tselem - The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
Maps from PASSIA - The Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs.
Comments