Pick a Side Already!
Well, summer is officially over, and we’re diving into a simple topic: the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. I’m just going to answer these in the order Dr. Jason Clark gave them to us.
What did you know about Israel before 7th October, and what was that based upon?
Being an enthusiast for ancient religion, most of my knowledge of Israel was before the 4th century C.E. Since I spent a good portion of my life hearing and reading the Bible, I knew that land, especially a particular piece of land, was a large part of Israel’s history and anticipated inheritance.
Israel’s independence in 1948 was a significant event discussed in the Evangelical world since it was thought to fulfill a prophecy that moved the world closer to the second coming of Jesus. Zionism, although it wasn’t always talked about in those terms, was discussed quite a bit in the circles I grew up in. Partnering with, supporting, and blessing Israel was almost a means to an abundant and apocalyptic end for my charismatic faith community who regularly quoted Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Later in life, I was required to take an interreligious class in grad school. I chose a course on Islamic Mysticism, which reconnected me back to the Middle East around the 6th century on. This class also introduced me to some wonderful people who happened to be Muslim. Loved hearing their stories. It also further exposed me to Islam and its connection to and deviation from both Jewish and Christian history. Most of my assumptions concerning the tension between Israelis and Palestinians have been centered on religious differences.
What does this book help you understand that you didn’t know before?
Martin Bunton’s book, Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction, complicates things and exposes my ignorance about this issue. [i]As the beginning of the book lays out, Europe played a much larger role in contributing to this conflict than I would have imagined. For a small book, it provides a lot of dates, names, places, and events that have nurtured the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I’m not going to pretend like I have a full grasp on the ins and outs of this complicated history, but this book increased my understanding of Britian’s involvement in cultivating this conflict. Conflicting promises were made to both Arab and Jewish leaders. Antisemitism in Europe nurtured a longing for a safe haven (the land of Israel). Jewish and Arab integration due to immigration mandates from Europe created tension. Then, the Holocaust event in Germany reinforced Zionist hopes not only for Jews but also for the rest of the world.
Although history and religion are factors in this conflict, they are not the only driving forces behind it. The makings of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is much more complex (go figure) and recent than I would have assumed it was before reading this book. There is a third party involved as well (Europe) that needs to be a factor in the conversation when forming opinions or making blanket statements about this situation in the Middle East.
How do you navigate the Israel-Middle east conflict?
Carefully.
I try to navigate this topic and others I’m ignorant about with caution and further research. Life and education continually reinforce that most things are multifaceted and complicated. Things, people, and situations are not always what they appear to be on the surface. Dr. Martyn Percy, while we were in Europe, encouraged us to do the work to find the issues below the surface that are not always seen. Yes, we may see the riots, violence, and anger on the news or in the streets, but what systemic issues, history, and pain lie behind these actions? The current Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a history of antisemitism, immigration, broken promises, displacement, economic issues, and injustices alongside its religious history, which is sometimes easier for Americans churches or political groups to pinpoint.
I also want to be cautious about “picking sides” or justifying one side’s views or perspective over another. In America, this is yet another issue on which many of us are expected to pick a side based on our religious or political affiliation (conservative or liberal). As a pastor, I believe these modern issues are opportunities to encourage our people to suspend snap judgments and think critically and graciously. The reality is that there are real men, women, and children dying on both sides of this conflict, which is heartbreaking.
I recently heard an interview in which Richard Rohr discussed the pressure we can feel from different groups to pick a side. He quoted Matthew 5:8: “Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”[ii] I was a little iffy about his interpretation, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense in light of a world that expects us to choose a side.
[i] Bunton, Martin P. The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction. First edition. Very Short Introductions 359. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2013.
[ii] “Fr. Richard Rohr – The One and The ManyFr. Richard Rohr – The One and The Many.” YouTube. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGMAbXbRP84&t=380s.
About the Author
Adam Harris
I am currently the Associate Pastor at a church called Godwhy in Hendersonville, TN near Nashville. We love questions and love people even more. Our faith community embraces God and education wholeheartedly. I graduated from Oral Roberts University for undergrad and Vanderbilt for my masters. I teach historical critical Biblical studies at my church to help our community through their questions and ultimately deepen their faith. I love research, writing, learning, and teaching. I oversee our staff and leadership development. Before being at Godwhy I worked as a regional sales coach and director for Anytime Fitness. I've been married for over 13 years to my best friend and we have two amazing boys that keep us busy.2 responses to “Pick a Side Already!”
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Adam,
Thank you for your historical understanding and insight. I gain so much from the interplay of thoughts on our readings. I think of the Bible story of The Good Samaritan. Jesus understood the layers of complexity regarding views on national identity and yet, he engaged the possibilities of hospitality and kindness that could create relationship even amidst hostility.
Learning much as we dive into this semester.
Thanks for the response, Esther, that story is possibly one of my favorite passages in the New Testament! Who is our neighbor? Well, they are…surely not them! Jesus is still hitting me between the eyes and I’m here for it.