In 2002, 131 theologians posted “An Open Letter” that was a scathing critique of Christian Zionism. They had the courage to do something that theologians don’t seem to have the courage to do these days: proclaim the theology they believe in. What has changed? The reality is that what gets taught in protestant churches is primarily determined by what does not offend wealthy donors – and almost all these donors are Zionists.
Israel is spending millions targeting the evangelical right, allegedly “to fight antisemitism.” But the effort is actually part of a bid to revive Israel’s standing among Christians who are no longer among the country’s most staunch supporters.
Israel’s best-kept secret; getting rich off Gaza; Israeli military kills teen in WBank; Israel won’t fund Gaza reconstruction; Huckabee interview reveals Christian right quarrel over Israel; more.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem warned last month that ‘recent activities undertaken by local individuals who advance damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism, mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock’
The conservative political commentator has now hosted a spate of guests who have highlighted Israel’s poor treatment of Christians
By rejecting Jerusalem’s churches, the US ambassador to Israel advances a narrow Zionist reading of Christianity, shifting God’s covenant from Christ to power, territory and exclusion
A recent statement by Church Patriarchs in Jerusalem rejecting Zionism was historic, and the response it provoked from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee shows the steps Christian Zionists are taking to silence Palestinian Christians.
Since last November, surveillance cameras have filmed 19 attacks, including spitting, swearing, physical violence against clergy, and vandalism perpetrated by ultra-nationalist and ultra-orthodox Jews. Other incidents of harassment include vandalism, arson and acoustic disturbance of processions or religious ceremonies
More than 230 Christian school teachers were barred from Jerusalem through restrictive permit policies, exposing a broader Israeli strategy to undermine Palestinian education and religious presence in the city. Fayha’ Shalash reports from the West Bank.
At a time when peace and hope seem impossible, Christians from the Holy Land bring us words of comfort – perhaps the most honest, authentic, and hopeful message of its time – and a call to all people to work for justice.