Questions to consider:
Many people are unaware of the Christian presence in the West Bank. Were you aware of these brothers and sisters in faith? Did you realize that their numbers are declining in staggering proportions? Were there any stories shared in this book that took you by surprise? Were your presuppositions challenged by what the author shared? What do you see our role (as believers in Christ) being in that part of the world? Do you think your views are in line with the views of most evangelical Christians in the United States?
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Timothy Wood said,
March 25, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Many people are unaware of the Christian presence in the West Bank. Were you aware of these brothers and sisters in faith? Did you realize that their numbers are declining in staggering proportions? Were there any stories shared in this book that took you by surprise? Were your presuppositions challenged by what the author shared? What do you see our role (as believers in Christ) being in that part of the world? Do you think your views are in line with the views of most evangelical Christians in the United States?
I have only read about the first hundred pages because it took me awhile to locate an affordable book on Amazon. So, I will deal with the general questions you presented now and attempt to deal with the others after I have had a chance to attain a better understanding of the subject matter, though I feel I know where the book is heading.
I was aware of the Christian dilema in the West Bank and of their deminishing popultion due to the brutal life they, as well as most other people there, are subjected to on a daily basis. I can’t say whether, if I were there, I would stay or not. I think I would be inclined to leave if the option were open, especially to protect my family.
I think our (meaning U.S. Christians) mission in the Middle East is, first, to keep a low profile but to appeal to all parties in the conflict to recognize what they are losing by continuing the conflict and how they are displeasing their God, regardless of the religion. The groups involved, as I see it, are Israel (the biggest and most expansionist and oppressive troublemaker), Hezbollah (who have done much, socially, for their own people), Hammas (democratically elected, BTW), Christians (who I sense have done less for their own, in terms of expanding the ranks of our religion than all the other groups), and the culturally this-and-that religion as well. So, there are really five, not four, groups (the last not as well organized) involved in the conflicts and, if you consider their official government leaders, many more, and if you consider the outside powers trying to gain a plus for their country, it appears hopeless. The question, therefore, is how does the trouble start. I can’t help but think (know) that the main culprit in all of this is the U.S. Government trying to build a solid ally in Israel and supporting (covertly when not overtly) almost everything Israel does or tries to do – despite our rhetoric to the contrary. All the groups realize this (as noted in “Light Force”) and I really think they could worl out the differences if Israel were not the dominant power there and restrained their urge to expand. Since Israel virtually stole, and continues to steal, Islamic (and even Christian land and homes) and runs roughshod over the whole region militarily, who can blame their unwanted neighbors for retaliating in the only way that Israel seems to understand – though it is a pitiful response when measured to what Israel can (and does) do to them – with U.S. supplied arms and money.
Well – that’s about 1.2 a cent of my two cents on that. I really feel that our mission there is, simply, not to intefere and to try to take back (on a political level, if that is possible) the harm the U.S. has already inflicted on the region.
Tim
Jeannene said,
March 27, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I was made aware of the situation in the area when we went to Israel and I met two lovely men. One was an Israel muslim and the other was a Palestinian Christian (born in Jerusalem). Because his father came from the Gaza strip, and Michael was born in Israel, Michael has no legal identity. He is not considered to be from Israel, even though he was born there, so he has no passport. He can not leave Israel. Jobs for Palestinians in Israel are very limited. He was also limited as to whom he could marry. In Israel if you wish to marry outside of your faith, you have to leave the county. Once you are married, there is no guarantee you will be readmitted. His son, born of an Israeli mother, in Israel, is also considered a Palestinian. In this political climate, Michael’s three year old son has no future, or any hopes of one.
Since our return, I have often wondered what can be done to change the plight of the Palestinians. The Israelis that we spoke with, both Jew and Muslim, are completely against the Israeli government and the Palestinian government’s actions. Because the US has openly sided with the Israeli governement and publicly stated it would not aid in the Palestinian’s problems, we have many people who do not trust us. How Brother Andrew managed to get when he did while the countries were in active conflict is only with the Grace of God. One of the things that the Israeli Muslim said (I can not remember his name) is that none of the people believe what the government is declaring. They don’t have problems with one another other than the ones the government creates. Yet while Roland was in the post office, a group of Palestinians waiting in line ahead of him was made to wait until all the Jews and he were waited on. Roland tried to tell the clerk that the Palestinians were in front of him, but it fell on deaf ears and he was motioned to proceed. With armed Israili solders standing around everywhere, one is hesitant to start a debate. It really bothered Roland that he was part of a discriminating act against another person. (I have always loved that man’s core beliefs.)
With the explosive situation between those two countries and the ever changing conflicts between the other Arab nations, there needs to be a solution. Brother Andrew is on the right track. Looking at the men that we met, who worked together and were friends (only at work since being together outside of work could cause problems) they have no problems with each other’s culture or do they take sides against each other. They both think it is a government manufactured issue that unfortunately many people follow. How can you shoot someone that you have a history with? How could you destroy their home or town if you knew them? But then again, how do people destroy other people and their homes because the children are throwing rocks?
Timothy Wood said,
April 2, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Thank you for your comments, Jeannene. I only wish I had a frame of reference other than what I read in newspapers and books. Brother Andrew (though I have yet to finish the book) seems to echo what you have described.
It is notable that in 1948, after the U.S. first recognized Israel as a legitimate state, the Israeli armies attacked and murdered every citizen, save two, of a Palestinian city. It does not really matter how large or small it was. That murderous act provided an omen for the future – and today.
The tale of Palestine and Israel so closely parallels the U.S. treatment of the American Indians that it gives me chills – and makes me think, “what right do U.S. citizens have to protest Israel’s treatment of Palestinians? Then, I remember that we are Christians first. U.S. citizenship falls somewhere further down the line in our priorities and I condemn both actions as contrary to the teachings of Jesus, our Lord.
I truly wish I had the chance to visit the Holy Land and observe, as you and Roland did, the actual situation in that land. My heart goes out to the Palestinians and Israelis who (1) have to live under Israeli dominance, and (2) have to live with the guilt and certainty of having to answer for their deeds.
It is had not to take sides, but I think we need to pray for both sides to see the futility of their endeavors – including ALL the Arab countries and Israel especially.
Tim
Timothy Wood said,
April 19, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Having finished LIGHT FORCE a few days ago, I’ve tried to organize my thoughts in a sensible manner, but still can’t manage it. I believe the book will be on my mind for quite some time. It is so hard to comprehend that people actually live in the conditions that Brother Andrew describes, as well as we have read of in other books in this club. It is hard to believe that we (Americans) acquiesce to the violence and inhumanity that exists in Palestine, Africa and other places, especially when we have the lessons of the world and our own past and present (unfortunately, future too) to learn from.
Israel, I assume, has decided to reassert its so-called God given “right” to wipe out all inhabitants of what was one Israel, as they tried to do, but failed, as the Old Testament verifies. This they execute while claiming that the Holocaust gives them some claim to assistance and pity that the Palestinians have no right to ask for or even expect. I want Israel AND Palestine to join the community of nations that want and strive for peace, fellowship and understanding – even the former Soviet Union (now just Russia) tries to be part of that society , even as they try, vainly I hope, to return to their totalitarian past.
I am happy that we have pastor (and her daughter) who want, so much, to give the Palestinians, Christian or otherwise, a light of hope, if only in small things.
Tim