Bruce Fisk with Bradley Jersak – Israel, Palestine and Engaging Christian Zionism

Dr. Bruce Fisk of NEME (Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East) joins Bradley Jersak (Dean of Theology & Culture, SSU / IRPJ) to discuss Israel, Palestine and Engaging Christian Zionism. 

Among the questions we discuss:

  1. LIFE ON THE GROUND: What can you tell us about life on the ground in Palestine? 
  2. POLITICS: What is the policy of the state of Israel in the occupied territories
  3. THE WALL: What? Why? What are the real and perceived threats re: terrorism that generate Jewish fears?
  4. THE US: What role does the US play? Are they an honest broker? 
  5. CHRISTIAN ZIONISM: What is Christian Zionism? Key beliefs? 
    How do they (ab)use the Scriptures to make their case?
    What has been the impact of Christian Zionism on Palestinian Christians? 
  6. BIBLICAL JUSTICE: The Hebrew prophets seem to connect Jewish relationship to the land on two contingencies (1) treatment of the stranger and (2) NOT making military alliances with foreign empires.
  7. ANTISEMITISM: When drawing attention to the injustices, there's the threat of being labeled anti-semitic. How do we avoid the perils of anti-Semitism while also addressing concerns regarding human rights, biblical exegesis, and even the Gospels themselves.
  8. SOLUTIONS: situation feels hopeless. I see the powerlessness of oppressed people. Is there hope? Have you seen paths to productive dialogue and reconciliation?

 

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