Munther Isaac: A Palestinian Christian Perspective

"Christian Zionism has ignored us Palestinian Christians at best; demonized us at worst. Whenever they speak about prophecy and Israel, it is as if we don't exist!...I believe this is because we cause a problem to many Christian Zionists. Why? Because we break the stereotype."

A quotation from Munther Isaac, a teacher at Bethlehem Bible College, who gave a powerful speech at the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference 2012.  He honestly addressed Christian Zionist theology, while at the same time, not denying his identity as a Palestinian Christian.  Please click below to go the video, and other videos about the Christ at the Checkpoint conference.

Munther Isaac: A Palestinian Christian Perspective

Christ at the Checkpoint 2012

Two years ago, I was working at Bethlehem Bible College during the first ever Christ at the Checkpoint Conference.  This year, as an attendant of the conference, I was able to see how this conference has spawned a quickly spreading movement.  Some of world's premier Evangelical leaders spoke, such as Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Steven Sizer, and Gary Burge spoke along with Palestinian Evangelical leaders: Alex Awad, Yohanna Katanacho, Sami Awad, and Munther Isaac. Throughout the week, it was possible to see these speakers, doing theology in a new way, pointing to the need for justice and peace in Israel/Palestine and a recognition of the Palestinian Christian community by international Christian communities. The growth in this year's conference, with Evangelical Christians attending from all corners of the world, is a testament to the growing realization of the situation on the ground in Israel/Palestine and that it is possible to believe in Jesus, the Bible, and justice and peace for both sides in this conflict. As the opposition from the Israeli government toward speakers and coordinators of the conference and the suspicion from Jewish and Israeli groups around the world shows, these conferences have started a new movement that has the potential to turn the tables towards a lasting peace in Israel/Palestine.

Sami Awad speaking at the Christ at the Checkpoint. Photo c/o Antwan Saca.

I will not say much, but lead you to two excellent articles written on the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference.

'Christ at the Checkpoint' Challenges Christian Zionism

Evangelical Church meets 'at the checkpoint'

Also, visit the Christ at the Checkpoint Website for videos and more news from Christ at the Checkpoint 2012.

"We Live and Exist Here"

The news is full of stories about Israel/Palestine lately.  The special focus this week has been Palestine's acceptance as a full member in UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and the Israeli response in the wake of the decision to increase building and expansion of settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

While these stories fill up the news, what goes un-noticed is the further expanding of the separation wall.  What few outside of Israel/Palestine, and even many Israelis do not know, is that the separation wall, which started being built in 2002, is not yet finished in many areas.  Instead of being a stagnant and completed issue, the separation wall, continues to threaten many areas and is rapidly under construction.

A group of young Palestinians joined together to create a peaceful mass and demonstration against the confiscation of the area of the Cremisan monastery and winery by the building of the separation wall.  The Cremisan monastery is the last green area left for Palestinians in the Bethlehem area to enjoy picnics and walks.  It is also the only winery in the Palestinian territories.

Not only is Cremisan in danger, but the agricultural land surrounding the village of Al-Walaja and agricultural land in the area of Makhrur, which belongs to many families in Bethlehem and Beit Jala.  As the priest poignantly stated: "More and more injustices are committed, and the world seems to watch completely incapable of helping our oppressed Palestinian nation."

The Priests and Crowd at the Mass and Demonstration on the outskirts of Cremisan.

The area of land that will be confiscated by the Israeli separation wall.

The settlement of Gilo.  Living here, you would never know that just across the valley Palestinians face the threat of losing their land.

To those on the other side in Gilo, the organizers of the demonstration wrote a message: "We Live and Exist Here."

© Devon Forster