An old friend ... speaks to a matter the culturalized western church often overlooks. Thank you Chris Granner for your insights ... Chris comment: I would re-frame your observation about anti-semitism: Anti-Isreali sentiment is on the rise. I submit that its not even remotely the same thing.To say I am not anti-semitic is a little like saying Im not racist, so I wont say that. But I challenge the idea that pointing the finger in horror at a horrific act by the Jewish State (as Andrew did and I shared), constitutes anti-semitism. Do I wish and hope for more societies in the Middle East as open and dynamic as the Jewish part of Israel? You bet. I wish it for the Arab Israelis first and foremost; but also for the Palestinians (whatever country they live in), the Jordanians, the Lebanese, the Syrians, the non-Kurdish Iraqis (the Kurds seem to have it figured out), and most poignantly for the Egyptians and Saudis. I watch in amazement and admiration as the other ancient peoples of the fertile crescent -- the Kurds, Assyrians, Turks and Persians -- begin to emerge from the chaos of the 20th century great game and re-assert themselves as partners in stabilizing that region, and I pray that theyll continue to play a constructive role in containing the Syrian civil war. But thats not what my post was intended to address. I was pointing to the fact that as Americans we are complicit when Israel launches rockets at Gaza. Again, speaking for myself: The conflict between the Jews in Israel and the other people whove lived there just as long, IS horrific and muddy (despite the clear picture of one side of that conflict youve shared previously Paula), and our involvement, primarily in support of the Israeli side, distorts and prolongs the conflict. I say we treat both sides equally and compassionately as parties to a very human, 6,000 year old, conflict over fresh water. Get the water right, and religion, civil society and politics will all fall into place. Get it wrong (or in-equitable or un-just), and all the other stuff gets ugly and stays ugly.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 14:41:13 +0000