A brief clarification- I do not use the term "Zionist" in a derogatory manner. It is the simplest way to identify Christians that believe certain land belongs to believing or unbelieving Jews.
My question is this: If there happens to be a Palestinian family (there really are many) in Palestine that are part of the bride of Christ- are they to support the unbelieving nation of Israel, as they force them into refugee camps and inflict pain and suffering on their family, because the Jewish people believe that land is divinely theirs? What are they to do? Would you have them join the very people that are causing them harm? What if the said family does not wish to leave their home, which allegedly belongs to "Israel?" What would you have them do?
A fair and honest question. Soli Deo Gloria!
For His Glory,
Fernando
Fernando how is that question any different from the scenario which faces Christians the world over? Let's change the setting a little and you will see what I mean...
ReplyDeleteIf there happens to be an African family (there really are many) in (say) Zimbabwe that are part of the bride of Christ- are they to support the unbelieving nation of Zimbabwe, as they force them into refugee camps and inflict pain and suffering on their family, because the African people believe that land is divinely theirs? What are they to do? Would you have them join the very people that are causing them harm? What if the said family does not wish to leave their home, which allegedly belongs to "Africa?" What would you have them do?
Here we have no continuing city - and that even applies in the USA. Try replacing the African scenario with a US one and you will see what I mean. The problem is not the Israeli government (believing or unbelieving) it is the unjust oppression of others no matter their nationality or beliefs.
If the Palestinian family is a believing family why would they be opposed to Israel? Why would they be oppressed, because they were seeking (in godly submission to those in authority over them), to have them become followers of their promised Messiah? And I say this in spite of not being a Zionist.
I see what you're trying to say but the big problem is not just the injustice but the injustice committed in the name of the Living God! And for the Zimbabwe scenario to fit in with this issue, you would have to include that a large part of Christians are advocating the oppression and seeking to advance it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Palestinian family, they are not opposed to Israel (you assumed that)but what they are opposed to is their homes being taken from them because it allegedly belongs to national Israel- no matter what and they can take it by force if necessary with the support (financially and theologically) from a large part of Christians!
I saw a report [can't remember where] which dealt with the Palestinian Christian population. The Palestinian Christians feel utterly abandoned by Christians at large.
ReplyDeleteWhen Christians--mostly American?--are taken on guided tours of Israel...the Palestinian Christians are ignored. It is my guess that 90% of Christian Zionists [I do not use this term pejoratively, only descriptively] are totally unaware of the plight of Palestinian believers in Christ. (It is also my guess, that the Palestinian's faith in Christ does not endear him to the Israeli government--or his Muslim neighbor.)
P.S. I just remembered...this was an interview with Stephen Sizer (still can't remember which program!). Sizer is the author of "Christian Zionism." I read the book and found it to be quite informative.
I'm awaiting Sizer's book. :-)
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