The topic of Palestine is on the agendas of many Christian organizations lately – and rightly so, if we take seriously Jesus’ mandate to care for “the least of these.” Take a moment to check out these recent stories. If you are uncomfortable with Christian nationalism, you should know that support for Israel – and the destruction of Palestine – looms large in that ideology. Read: Inside Ziklag, the Secret Organization of Wealthy Christians Trying to Sway the Election and... Read more
Remember how Jesus used to single out individuals, especially marginalized individuals, for special blessing? Remember the Samaritan woman, the bleeding woman, the Canaanite woman, the tax collector? Remember “let the little children come to me”? Remember how the heroes in his parables were a Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a poor beggar covered with sores (Luke 16:19-31), a debtor (Luke 7:40-43), and a tax collector (Luke 18:9–14)? Here are four short, true stories about marginalized people that tell big truths. Stories first,... Read more
It happens every four years: fringe-y voters are told to step in line. “We can’t afford to waste a single vote this time.” “Just vote for X. Endorse your third-party candidate next election cycle.” “This is not the time for making a statement – this is the time for unifying behind X.” This year, the pressure is stronger than ever – because, perhaps, the stakes are higher than ever. Pressure is mounting for Palestinian Americans and their allies – and... Read more
Jesus’ message in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) is not complicated. It contains no disclaimers, no asterisks, no exemptions: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus was always concerned for the needy and willing to come to their aid. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) shows clearly that compassion should have no ethnic or religious boundaries. Throughout the Bible, we... Read more
No, really – think about it for a minute. What would you do with $320 million? You can only buy so many cars, take so many exotic vacations, pay off so many credit cards. What would you do with the rest? Especially if you are a person of faith, how would you use that money to be a blessing? House the unhoused in your city? Provide job training for one hundred young men and women? Fund an underperforming public school... Read more
I have the prison inside me’: The emaciated Palestinian bodybuilder broken by Israel By Lubna Masarwa and Peter Oborne in Bethlehem, occupied Palestine, reposted from Middle East Eye Muazzaz Abayat speaks to Middle East Eye from a hospital bed in his native Bethlehem after spending nearly nine months in Israeli administrative detention. Emaciated, unable to walk unaided, his right arm jerking shapelessly in front of him and his face a picture of confusion, Muazzaz Abayat hobbles out of an Israeli prison. Before the... Read more
The Palestinians’ struggle in the Holy Land is about their right to their land and to self-determination. It is not a religious struggle. However Israel’s struggle is against anyone who is not “Jewish.” Not just Muslims, but Christians too are seen as the enemy in the fight for what one Israeli human rights organization has called “Jewish supremacy.” Here are just a few recent headlines about Israel’s mistreatment of the Christian minority. Christians in occupied Jerusalem see marked surge in... Read more
Sharpen your pencil for today’s one-question quiz. You may use the clues provided. There is an opportunity for extra credit at the bottom. THE QUESTION: Who is Israel’s greatest enemy? A. Pro-Israel members of the US Government B. Pro-Israel Evangelical Christians C. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu D. Hamas Before you rush to answer, take a moment to peruse the following factual information (follow the links for details). A. Is the answer “pro-Israel members of the US government”? How could... Read more
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and thirsty, and you refused to give me food and drink because I deserved to starve, since many years ago, I may or may not have voted for corrupt leaders. That was a wise decision on your part.” Then the righteous will answer him, saying, “Lord,... Read more
If, over eight months into the war on Gaza, you are still obsessed with the violence of October 7th and the alarming situation in which dozens of Israeli prisoners in Gaza still find themselves – this is for you. WARNING: If you can’t handle the truth, this post may cause dizziness, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, and/or nausea. This is perfectly normal, and may signify a change in paradigm. Do not stop reading. The standard narrative – how we’ve grown accustomed... Read more
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