Dec 14 2007
[TBC: The Evangelical jettisoning of Israel seems to be gathering speed.]
An Evangelical Statement on Israel/Palestine [Excerpts]
As evangelical Christians committed to the full authority of the Scriptures, we feel compelled to make a statement together at this historic moment in the life of the Holy Land.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is near a momentous turning point. The strife has continued -- sometimes simmering, sometimes exploding in terrible conflict -- for decades.
As evangelical Christians, we believe our faith compels us to speak a word together at this crucial moment.
The Bible clearly teaches that God longs for justice and peace for all people. We believe that the principles about justice taught so powerfully by the Hebrew prophets apply to all nations, including the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians. Therefore we are compelled to work for a fair, negotiated solution for both Israelis and Palestinians. We resolve to work diligently for a secure, enduring peace and a flourishing economy for the democratic State of Israel. We also resolve to work for a viable permanent, democratic Palestinian State with a flourishing economy that offers economic opportunity to all its people. We believe that the way forward is for the Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate a fair, two-state solution.
We are encouraged that the Israeli and Palestinian governments have officially endorsed a two-state solution and that polls demonstrate that solid majorities in both Israel and Palestine embrace this path.
We call on all evangelicals, all Christians, and everyone of good will to join us to work and pray faithfully in the coming months for a just, lasting two-state solution in the Holy Land. We call on all involved governments to work diligently toward this goal. And we covenant to pray for the leaders of all the nations engaged in this effort, hoping for them the blessing of our Lord, who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
As we work and pray, we are strengthened by the truth that Christ will return some day to complete his victory over sin and injustice, and we are empowered by the knowledge that until He comes again, He summons us to support the things that promote peace and justice for everyone in the Holy Land.
Here are some of the signers to the above document:
Jon R. Wallace, President
Azusa Pacific University
Joseph Tkach, President
Worldwide Church of God
Paul Vicalvi, Chaplains Commission Executive Director
National Association of Evangelicals
Berten Waggoner, National Director
Vineyard USA
Richard Mouw, President
Fuller Theological Seminary
David Neff, Editor-in-Chief
Christianity Today
Glenn R. Palmberg, President
Evangelical Covenant Church
Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament
Wheaton College
Tony Campolo, President/Founder
Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/novemberweb-only/148-33.0.html
[TBC: Regardless of their high hopes, and a professed high regard for the Scriptures, those listed above are more than likely to be greatly disappointed. The "momentous turning point" sensed has every potential for being a horrendous detour from the truth. Neither have these evangelicals paid much attention to what the Arabs have so plainly said and continue to say.]
