Slaying the Dragon that is Religion
“Mythic violence is blood-violence over mere life for the sake of violence itself; divine violence is pure violence over all of life for the sake of the living.”[1] – Walter Benjamin
What I Knew Before October 7th, 2023
Golda[2] is the 2023 biographical film dramatizing the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The movie details Meir and the Israeli Defense Forces from the lead-up to the war’s aftermath. Faced with the potential of Israel’s complete destruction, Golda Meir navigates overwhelming odds paralleled with her complex relationship with the U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger–literally millions of lives are in her hands while the intense 19 day war ensues.
As a young girl, I read the book, A Woman Called Golda[3] that sat on my grandmother’s bookshelf, believing with all my heart how Gold Meier was a hero for helping birth the nation of Israel. On Sunday dinners with my extended family during the 1987 Palestinian Intifada and the 1993-2001 Oslo uprising, I often heard intense debate surrounding the discussion of a two-state solution and Israel’s right to exist as a nation. The complaining around the table was more steeped in who was responsible to help the thousands of Jewish refugees. For my cultural, non-orthodox Jewish relatives the responsibility of the Jewish nation often lied with the American President. During those same years, the Christian church services, conferences and meetings I attended were steeped in biblical teaching on following Jesus and how Israel fulfilled God’s ultimate plan.
Do you remember The Thief in the Night? Or The Late, Great Planet Earth? If so, you, too, heard teachings and sermons predicting the end time prophecies from the books of Daniel, Revelation and Ezekial[4] while receiving the overarching message: Israel fulfilled God’s ultimate plan. As people who follow Jesus and the Bible we believed this to be true.
How an Ideology Forms our Way of Thinking about the Middle East
Like many Evangelicals, most sermons we hear from Genesis 12 were presented as a single story narrative loaded with powerful promises:
“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on the earth will be blessed through you.”
Abram was given a promise that was for that time and place. Might these verses have been taught out of context to support a Nation today that is completely secular and not the Israel of the Old Testament? Whatever the case, my family and I believed in Israel’s purpose–and so did the majority of people with whom I knew. Praying for Israel brought blessing. When my younger brother moved to the Middle East and took citizenship in Israel, similar to our other relatives, praying for Israel’s blessing became even more natural.
What I know now that I could not comprehend was that I was deeply impacted by a way of teaching that was part of a religious and spiritual system. Like the hindsight criticism of Augustine’s teaching in his own era, our times had our own clarion call communicators. Here’s what I am learning:
- The strain is that modern day Israel is not the same as Covenant Israel in the Old Testament. Does a passage like this give Israel a license to do things that are completely contrary to God’s commandments?
- What are we to do with the fact that Jerusalem and the temple mount are considered the Holy city when the majority of Israelis don’t participate in religious practices? Israel today is secular.[5]
- The Land itself belongs to God and not to the Palestinians or the Israelis. Secular Zionists didn’t know the Bible; they were desperate to help persecuted Jews in Europe.
- The Two-State Agreements were sabotaged by extremist groups in both Israel and Palestine–which is where Hamas was born.
- Israel has a right to exist and not be destroyed; Palestinians have a right to live safely without threat of violence and loss of life.
Violence and the Middle East
In the middle of two world wars, British philosopher Bertrand Russell wrote in 1930:
“Religion prevents us from removing the fundamental causes of war; religion prevents us from teaching the ethic of scientific cooperation in place of the old fierce doctrines of sin and punishment. It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will first be necessary to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion.”[6]
Like the slow dawning of a new day, my perspective about blessing Israel and how it exactly corresponds to modern day Israel with the covenant Israel we have in the Old Testament is becoming more clear. Where I have had trouble is seeing how modern day Israel is a secular state–The majority of Israelis are not practicing their religion; yet, the Israeli extremists and the Islamic extremists claim religion as their reason for murder and violence.
Wanting the Promises Without Obedience
In studying the books in the Pentateuch, especially Joshua, I deduce that God owns the land and life in the land that belongs to God is centered in certain laws and covenants. In a recent podcast, Professor Gary Burge said, “Life in the land is contingent on covenant obedience.”[7] In fact, Burge takes this to mean that , “If people living in the land become atheists or secular, they have to leave the land.”[8] I am still thinking through this statement.
In Martin Bunton’s very short Introduction to The Palestinian Israeli Conflict, he historizes the bitter arguments among the Zionist leaders because of its secular nature. What this means is that even though the 1987 Zionist movement was for a good cause–to give millions of Jewish refugees a homeland–the creation of their home was forcing them to be dependent on diplomatic support of imperial powers[9]— When God commanded the Jews to be dependent upon Him alone. The delegates of this movement showed little interest in the Palestinians who already lived in the land.
Might one of the religious dragons that’s blocking the door to peace is that Israel wants the promise of the land without obeying God’s commandments to remain in the land? In particular, are leaders reminding themselves that God has rules about treating the poor, the outcast, the foreigner with hospitality?
Here’s How I’m Navigating the War in the Middle East:
Although God’s people in the Old Testament were, at times, commanded to act violently on other people groups (and the reverse of this is true, too), Professor NT Wright notes[10] how the New Testament shifts the paradigm. Consistently, Jesus taught nonviolence. On the cross, Jesus Christ took the full violent judgment on all the nations on himself. However, the New Testament writers repeat over and over directives against violence, as Rebecca McGlaughlin argues, “.. . Making the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians unjustifiable from any recognizably Christian perspective.”[11]
It’s important for me to say how difficult and nuanced writing about the Middle East conflict for any one of us. For the Jewish people, Muslims, and Christians, the city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount[12] are held sacred because of the events that happened in that place. For Christians, the sacredness we hold is because our Lord Jesus Christ, who was born as a Jewish man, lived and died on that holy ground. How do we navigate the violent atrocities that have emerged from the religious dragons? I keep praying, “Even so, Come, Lord Jesus, Come.”
[1] Benjamin, Walter. Toward the Critique of Violence: A Critical Edition. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 2021.
[2] “Golda (2023) – IMDb.” Accessed August 26, 2024. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14454876/.
[3] Avallone, Michael. A Woman Called Golda. First Edition. Nordon Publications, Inc, 1982.
[4] Lindsey, Hal. The Late Great Planet Earth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977.
[5] For certain, there are Messianic Jewish communities in Israel along with Orthodox Jews. They are, however, the minority.
[6] Russell, Bertrand. “HAS RELIGION MADE USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO CIVILIZATION?” In Russell on Religion, 169–85. United Kingdom: Routledge, 1999.
[7] 631: Evangelicals for Harris & Holy Land Theology with Gary Burge, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWXZs024BL4.
[8] IBID.
[9] “The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict : A Very Short Introduction – George Fox University.” Accessed August 26, 2024.
[10] Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. 1st ed. Westmont: SPCK, 2006.
[12] Goldstein, Mr Daniel. The Third Temple: A Sign of The Coming Messiah. Edited by Miss Abigail Roush. Jewels of Judaism Publishing, 2018.
About the Author
Pam Lau
Pamela Havey Lau brings more than 25 years of experience in speaking, teaching, writing and mediating. She has led a variety of groups, both small and large, in seminars, trainings, conferences and teachings. Pam’s passion is to see each person communicate with their most authentic voice with a transparent faith in Jesus Christ. With more than 10, 000 hours of writing, researching, and teaching the heart and soul of Pam’s calling comes from decades of walking alongside those who have experienced healing through pain and peace through conflict. As a professor and author, Pam deeply understands the role of mentoring and building bridges from one generation to another. She has developed a wisdom in how to connect leaders with their teams. Her skill in facilitating conversations extends across differences in families, businesses, schools, universities, and nonprofits. Pam specializes in simplifying complex issues and as a business owner, has helped numerous CEOs and leaders communicate effectively. She is the author of Soul Strength (Random House) and A Friend in Me (David C. Cook) and is a frequent contributor to online and print publications. You can hear Pam’s podcast on Real Life with Pamela Lau on itunes. Currently, Pam is a mediator for families, churches, and nonprofits. You can contact Pam through her website: PamelaLau.com. Brad and Pam live in Newberg, Oregon; they have three adult daughters and one son-in-law. One small, vocal dog, Cali lives in the family home where she tries to be the boss! As a family they enjoy worshiping God, tennis, good food and spending time with family and friends.14 responses to “Slaying the Dragon that is Religion”
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I really appreciated your well-thought-out post. Pointing out the religious extremism in the middle-east and the violence it has caused is like holding up a mirror for our country right now. Scary and prophetic in many ways.
One of the ideas I am left considering from your post is the idea that religious extremism can lead to conflict and violence whereas true religion or shall we say, a life of practice in the ways of and dependence on the loving God, leads to care for the most vulnerable – as you point out in these sentences: Might one of the religious dragons that’s blocking the door to peace is that Israel wants the promise of the land without obeying God’s commandments to remain in the land? In particular, are leaders reminding themselves that God has rules about treating the poor, the outcast, the foreigner with hospitality?
Thank you for your post Pam!
Kally,
What I wanted to say but didn’t have space, time or courage is exactly what you point out about our own nation. The current tenor of our public discourse exposes a tragic reality of our faith as Christians and as a community of humans: Despite the years of reconciliation work across our differences, despite Christ’s commands to love our enemies and forgive, despite Christ’s sacrifice (those who died for Him , too)–the last few years of Christians engaging in such hatred against one another, feels violent. As I studied the Middle East conflict, I was reflective about the city, state and country with which I live. Thanks for your comments.
Pam…I so appreciate your post that discloses the theological journey you’ve been on. Thank you. I know that our changing theological positions–or even asking questions about the dominant theological position–can be relationally risky and feel vulnerable when we’re in a (religious) culture that seems to think uniformily about things, like Israel. So for me your post demonstrated courage to speak, humility and curiosity to continued learning, and sensitivity to each people group impacted by this conflict–all things we are highlighting as important in this cohort. Thus my appreciation…
Scott, Yes. It is risky but I wrestle with feeling like I failed in my post as I still wonder about God’s purposes and plans with a nation like Israel. I just was stuck in how to ask those questions. What about you?
Hi Pam,
Your perspective is so valuable. It was helpful when you identified that there is a difference between a secular state and a covenant people when you wrote, “..modern day Israel is not the same as Covenant Israel in the Old Testament.” It makes me think of the “Powers” that JR Woodward wrote about and next week’s book, Jesus and the Powers. I’m curious about how covenant or non-secular Israelis impact the powers of the secular state. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Hi, Jenny~
Good question about how the different kinds of Jewish people impact the powers of the state. I will be talking with my brother this weekend — he lives in the thick of it so I will ask him! I don’t see myself as having knowledge- I need to read and ask questions until I understand a tiny part.
I am looking forward to this next book, as well.
Looking forward to hearing how we all work through this in conversation form.
Pam, the idea of a dragon also came to me as I was thinking about this topic. In reading your well-thought out remarks, I realize that one of the most concerning aspects in this area is how impossible resolution appears when we look at it through a human worldview. You have outlined many of the conditions that lead to this: secularism tangled up in pseudo-religious identities and the very real history of deep persecution just to name two. I appreciate your distinctive view on these things, and your deconstruction of traditional viewpoints in order to form your own.
Jen,
What solutions do you propose for an agreement with such complicated history?
Pam,
Thank you for such an articulate response to our reading. I stand with conflicted thoughts over so much of what we are discussing. As I read Sarah McGlaughlin’s quote: “.. .making the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians unjustifiable from any recognizably Christian perspective” at first glance seems to be something we should all uphold. However, as I reread a bit of Marc LiVecche’s work, the thought of “war as a work of love” comes to mind. In the face of incredible evil, as in the militant group of Hamas, is war a just cause? With any war, the cost of civilian deaths is incredibly horrific, I agree. But then again, as a country, what is worth fighting for? Our generations have never experienced a war on our soil other than being attacked on 9/11, where no one seemed to question retaliating to make sure Isis was no longer a threat to us or to others.
So I just wonder what our thoughts would be if we were attacked again.
Phew! So many conflicting thoughts that are important to reflect on and pray on. Yes. I whole heartedly agree with your last statement: “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” We truly need his peace and insight.
Great question, Esther: What would our response be if we were attached again on our soil? One difference I see is the issue of the Land–yet, as I write this we do have people groups who claim our land was taken from them.
Thank you for the reminder of Mark LiVecche’s book. I want to go back and review my notes from when he spoke to our class.
“Might one of the religious dragons that’s blocking the door to peace is that Israel wants the promise of the land without obeying God’s commandments to remain in the land? In particular, are leaders reminding themselves that God has rules about treating the poor, the outcast, the foreigner with hospitality?”
I thought this was a great paragraph that speaks to all of us of faith. I once pastored a church who complained about all the kids from the neighborhood (a poor neighborhood with no park) running around our land. We were able to redirect this angst into events outside for the kids and eventually families started coming into the church (that was about to die). What went on inside was disturbing though. They expected everyone to conform to them and the way they always did things and didn’t like that the very dna of this church was changing. To me we lacked true hospitality, where we were willing to let go of the way things were in order to welcome those who were different, or for most of them, newer Christians. You talk of Hospitality and it made me wonder if a big part of this reflection of the conflict has it’s roots in the ability to be hospitable and conform to the new dna, but not losing their identity? I don’t know if that makes sense, but I appreciated your post and your inquiry and wonder, alot.
Jana,
I think you are absolutely right about a fear, our deepest fear, of losing our identity. Which is why it’s so incredibly paramount we teach our children, our students and ourselves the nature of God’s Identity-and to your point, He is always hospitable, arms opened wide, loving and Holy and He never changes nor does anything that doesn’t reflect His Identity. Thanks for your comments.
Hi Pam!
Thank you for your insightful reflection!
Your insights on the New Testament’s emphasis on nonviolence are significant, especially in the context of the Middle East. However, applying these principles today is complex. How do we balance Jesus’ teachings on peace with the need for justice and protection of the vulnerable? The sacredness of places like Jerusalem adds further tension. While we strive to follow Christ’s example, we must also confront the harsh realities of conflict and the demands of justice. I appreciate your prayerful approach. I believe ongoing dialog and a commitment to justice are crucial as we navigate these challenges
Dinka,
Your comments cause me to pause and think about the virtue, the position and posture of humility. Humility does not think less of oneself or of a people group. Humility has a higher view of God. Humility is not a doormat to be walked upon but at times requires us to be bold and speak truth from the heart. As I read your comments, I wondered what genuine humility does in war? I honestly do not know. I am asking Jesus for His perspective–I appreciate your viewpoint.