|  |
 |
|
 |
| |
Choosing to be caught in the middle?
by Shadia on ,
As Palestinian believers in the Galilee we are influenced by pacifist theology passed on by missionaries. We emphasize on the New Testament and the life of Jesus and reject violence and any justifications of it. It is hard for us to think of other brothers who support violence biblically. We cannot understand it because of our Palestinian identity as well.
Messianic Jews have a different theology. Their identity as believers is not separated from their identity as Jews. The persecution and fear of annihilation cannot be underestimated. These are questions with deep and realistic repercussions. It is not easy for them to think in pacifist terms without feeling that a part of their existence will be lost.
However, what happened in the past is in the past and what is happening now is open to change. A history in which the Israeli is not the victim, he is also the aggressor. Whether you agree the counter attack is justified, do you agree with the intensity? if 81% of the public support the attack, how come only 6% think it will stop the launching? why is no one within the Israeli society criticizing the operation?
The same applies to us, Palestinian Christians. How are we voicing our presence among our society? We do not support Hamas and their rocketing. The Palestinian is not solely the victim, he is also the aggressor. It may be justified and it may not be, depends on your personal experience i presume.
Both of us are caught in the middle and that can be a source of power and influence.
Jesus taught us to challenge our social norms, how are we doing that?
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
