Is the goal of Zionism a democratic Israel with a Jewish majority? Or rule of the entire land, from the Mediterranean to the Jordan?
Israel
In Jordan, reports are mixed as to just how good relations are between the Muslim majority and the Christian minority. What's clearer is that the stronger divide is between native Jordanians and the many Palestinian refugees. The two locals we spent the most time with, our tour guide and our bus driver, represent both differences.
The Jordan River is too shallow for Michael to row across, and the shore is a stinking pile of sludge. But something redemptive is happening.
Israelis take great interest in archaeology, as findings can validate Jews' ancient claims to the land. Of course, Palestinians have similar claims.
A rabbi and strong advocate for Palestinians’ rights told me this: "When you Christians start talking about divesting from Israel, it sounds to us as if you are undermining Israel’s economy and thus Israel’s existence. We close ranks."
Boycott and divestment aim to punish Israel. A more constructive strategy is needed.
Palestinian parents don’t fret about drugs or drunk drivers. They worry that the Israeli soldiers will use their M-16s.
Michele Chabin reports that Israeli postal workers are refusing to deliver Hebrew-language New Testaments. Mark Silk asks an interesting question.
The Christian population in Israel has begun to swell again, drawing on wholly different sources than in the past.
At American synagogues, Israeli settlement leader Ron Nachman gets a lot of questions. At churches he gets big checks.
Gospel journey
With his imagination in overdrive, Bruce Fisk has created a fictional character to guide readers through the Holy Land and the thickets of New Testament scholarship.
It is difficult for Jews to talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It's also difficult for Christians to talk about it with Jews.
The Chosen Peoples, by Todd Gitlin and Liel Leibovitz
Todd Gitlin and Liel Leibovitz have written a thoughtful critical volume on the roots and costs of chosenness as it pertains to historical and contemporary Israel and the United States.