Christians and a Land Called Holy

How We Can Foster Justice, Peace and Hope

Christians and a Land Called Holy: How We Can Foster Justice, Peace and Hope
Christians and a Land Called Holy: How We Can Foster Justice, Peace and Hope

Christians and a Land Called Holy

How We Can Foster Justice, Peace and Hope

By Charles P. Lutz (Author), Robert O. Smith (Author)

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Fair-minded and sympathetic to Jewish, Muslim, and Christian concerns, Lutz and Smith provide a clear account of the Israeli-Palestinian situation and a compelling plea for Christian involvement in the area. Carefully sorting out the tangled historical and religious roots of the problems, they reveal the strong forces at work in the conflict and lay out the driving biblical notions of election and covenant, the historical causes of the bitter and divisive clashes of the last 50 years, the complex demographic and political issues today, how Palestinians (particularly Christians) have been affected by the turmoil, and how, finally, Christians must engage the future of justice and peace. Includes maps and twelve black and white photos.

Endorsements

"A probing and compassionate examination of the many complex issues that plague this beleaguered but still Holy Land."

James Zogby, President, Arab American Institute

"This book is an important addtion to the burgeoning witness of Chrstians who, while fighting anti-Semitism, struggle also for the freedom of the Palestinian people."

Marc H. Ellis, University Professor and Director, Center for American & Jewish Studies, Baylor University

"Reading Christians and a Land Called Holy is like strolling through the souk with two veteran guides. Chuck and Robert walk the reader through a virtual marketplace of ideas and actions for the soul, the heart, and the helping hand."

Corinne Whitlatch, Executive Director, Churches for Middle East Peace

"Welcome to a land called 'holy.' That's a succinct summary of this new engaging enterprise by the Lutz-Smith team. The sub-title, 'Fostering, peace, justice, and hope' says it even more directly — this journey to the holy land is a pragmatic and promise-filled venture with stimulating stories, helpful 'how to's', and ready resources.

I commend the authors for telling their stories of the holy land through their eyes and ears and perceptions. Their views challenge the reader to learn more about this place called Holy!

Thanks to Augsburg for the opportunity to take this pilgrimage to the land called holy. Now it is up to us readers to take the next steps toward peace, justice and hope! And bring this book along on your journey!

May we all be lead to Be Hope and Do Hope in our own personal holy lands of life!"

Dr. Richard Bimler, President, Wheat Ridge Ministries

"Reading Christians and a Land Called Holy is like strolling through the souk with two veteran guides. Chuck and Robert walk the reader through a virtual marketplace of ideas and actions for the soul, the heart, and the helping hand."

Martin E. Marty, University of Chicago Divinity School

Reviews

"Christians are increasingly likely to run into folks who practice religions quite different from our own. How can we understand these new neighbors?

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a source of constant friction between Jews, Christians and Muslims. Charles Lutz and Robert Smith point out in Christians and a Land Called Holy that it increasingly divides Christians as well.

Dr. Lutz, a retired journalist, and Mr. Smith, a Lutheran pastor in Texas, describe the various Christian denominations in the Holy Land and tell why Christians are leaving in droves: There are now twice as many Palestinians living abroad as there are in the land of Jesus. As their numbers dwindle in Israel and the West Bank, Muslims find it harder to fend off Islamist extremism.

This book tackles some of the most contentious issues in this conflict. Do Christians have any right to criticize Israelis or Muslims in light of the Holocaust and the Crusades? When is criticism of Israel anti-Semitic? Does the Israeli occupation oppress Palestinian Christians? Whose land is this? Is "Christian Zionism" biblical? Are Christian Zionists really friends of Jews and Israel. Why is the United States silent about Israeli nuclear weapons? And is media coverage of the region biased?

The authors pull few punches, and something in their book will offend nearly everyone. This is a good indication that they are on target.

If we are willing to listen, Christians and a Land Called Holy can make a real contribution to interfaith understanding."

— Thomas W. Goodhue, Special Contributor, The United Methodist Reporter Interactive

The Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue is executive director of the Long Island Council of Churches. He leads the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum and an ongoing series of Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogues on the Middle East conflict.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction

  1. What's So Special about This Space?
  2. Politics, Faiths, and Fundamentalisms
  3. Division in the Christian Family
  4. The Call to Action

Appendix: Whose Land Is It?
Resources
Notes
Index of Scripture
Index of Subjects and Names

Product Info

  • Publisher Fortress Press
  • Format Paperback
  • ISBN 9780800637842
  • Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
  • Pages 184
  • Publication Date December 22, 2005
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