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I Am a Palestinian Christian: God and Politics in the Holy Land: A Personal Testimony
Mitri Raheb explores the recent history of the Palestinian Christians, and the complex meeting of the world's three major monotheistic religions. Clearly and without rancor, his book situates the continuing plight of Palestinians in the unique history of the Palestinian Christians, the national and regional struggles since World War II, and the rich yet complex juncture of the world's three major monotheistic religions. In the pains and hopes of his people, Raheb reveals an emerging Palestinian Christian theology.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 16, 2018
I'm split on this one. I think this book does a good job of shining some light on how truly complex the Israel/Palestine peace process is. Shortly after Jesus' ascension, there came to be some Arab, non-Jewish believers. Unlike the Jews that were thrown out of Israel following a war against the Romans, these people never left, and their descendants remain there to this day. They are not Israeli Jews, but they are not Arab Muslims either. Where do they fit in? It's complicated, and it's part of why American president after American president tries to fix the situation and fails every time.
I take issue with some of the author's theology and the light he shines on both Israelis and Palestinians. The Israelis are by no means without sin, and the author has no issue pointing out anything bad that they have done towards Palestinians. But at the same time, there is no self examination either. The book was written in 1995, and obviously a lot has happened since it was written, but some questions I have:
From his perspective, Israel seems highly favored in the world and is held to a different standard. It is a nuclear nation amongst many who aren't...my question is what other nation has had all of its surrounding nations declare war on it twice and try to eradicate it? Lebanon to the north doesn't have nuclear weapons, but Israel, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey aren't trying to commit genocide and take the land for their own.
The author believes the Palestinians are the biggest supporters of the two-state solution. Generally speaking, he avoids addressing groups like Hamas which have grown in power. What is his attitude towards the Palestinians like that who do not support a two-state solution and want the Israelis shoved out into the sea.
Probably my biggest question comes on the heels of a story of two Jewish kids who get on the wrong school bus, get off, get lost, and find themselves at a gas station in the West Bank, where an Arab Muslim helps them contact their parents so they can get home. That's a great story, and I would love to hear more like it. If the Palestinians were to treat the Israelis like that across the board, they would have the moral high ground and gain much more sympathy. Unfortunately, too many resort to violence, and their governing authority gives payments to family members of those who are killed as a result. How can that possibly lead to peace? There are plenty of pointed questions to ask the other side, and the Palestinian author has some good ones, but my questions were generally a reaction to him since he's the author.
The Middle East is very complicated. I'm of the opinion that peace in the region will not be of human design.
I take issue with some of the author's theology and the light he shines on both Israelis and Palestinians. The Israelis are by no means without sin, and the author has no issue pointing out anything bad that they have done towards Palestinians. But at the same time, there is no self examination either. The book was written in 1995, and obviously a lot has happened since it was written, but some questions I have:
From his perspective, Israel seems highly favored in the world and is held to a different standard. It is a nuclear nation amongst many who aren't...my question is what other nation has had all of its surrounding nations declare war on it twice and try to eradicate it? Lebanon to the north doesn't have nuclear weapons, but Israel, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey aren't trying to commit genocide and take the land for their own.
The author believes the Palestinians are the biggest supporters of the two-state solution. Generally speaking, he avoids addressing groups like Hamas which have grown in power. What is his attitude towards the Palestinians like that who do not support a two-state solution and want the Israelis shoved out into the sea.
Probably my biggest question comes on the heels of a story of two Jewish kids who get on the wrong school bus, get off, get lost, and find themselves at a gas station in the West Bank, where an Arab Muslim helps them contact their parents so they can get home. That's a great story, and I would love to hear more like it. If the Palestinians were to treat the Israelis like that across the board, they would have the moral high ground and gain much more sympathy. Unfortunately, too many resort to violence, and their governing authority gives payments to family members of those who are killed as a result. How can that possibly lead to peace? There are plenty of pointed questions to ask the other side, and the Palestinian author has some good ones, but my questions were generally a reaction to him since he's the author.
The Middle East is very complicated. I'm of the opinion that peace in the region will not be of human design.
October 23, 2023
The world is currently looking at the horrendous situation in Gaza as the result of the Hamas terror attacks and Israel's response. The conflict in that region has seemingly gone on forever. And the tensions we are still dealing with today are the result of actions taken by Western nations after WWII, when Israeli territory was given to the Jews but without consultation the Palestinians who were already living there. We did to the Palestinians just what the United States did to the Native Americans - we take land without consent, and push inhabitants into limited space while not looking after their needs. Hence, the situation we are still battling today.
Raheb's book helps us to understand this whole situation from the Palestinian Christian perspective. It reviews the challenges of living in a territory claimed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as sacred territory. He offers a Christian perspective of the real theological issues involved, and how we will need to move forward if the endless war is ever going to stop.
Sadly, militant Islam is wanting a war - a conflict of the powers - to assert their true dominance of the world and to save the world from the evils of Western culture. In the United States, fundamentalist Christians have a no-questions-asked attitude of supporting Israel because they believe that as soon as Israel fully occupies the land then Christ will return (it is horrible theology, but it is strongly held and believed!). So major players in the game are deeply entrenched. Raheb's book could help us work our way forward in a meaningful and constructive way. I just don't know if the world is ready to listen yet.
Raheb's book helps us to understand this whole situation from the Palestinian Christian perspective. It reviews the challenges of living in a territory claimed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as sacred territory. He offers a Christian perspective of the real theological issues involved, and how we will need to move forward if the endless war is ever going to stop.
Sadly, militant Islam is wanting a war - a conflict of the powers - to assert their true dominance of the world and to save the world from the evils of Western culture. In the United States, fundamentalist Christians have a no-questions-asked attitude of supporting Israel because they believe that as soon as Israel fully occupies the land then Christ will return (it is horrible theology, but it is strongly held and believed!). So major players in the game are deeply entrenched. Raheb's book could help us work our way forward in a meaningful and constructive way. I just don't know if the world is ready to listen yet.
May 30, 2025
A bit went over my head but I still learned a lot. Worth reading the whole book to learn about Tent City
July 10, 2012
The topic is fascinating though unfortunately the author crosses the academic line into blatant cynicism and inflammatory word choice. Overall, however, it gives an interesting preview to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from a Palestinian Christian point of view.
September 28, 2016
I rated this book a three only because it made me rethink some of my long held thoughts and ideas. I must agree with my friend that called some of Raheb's theology as mythology rather than theology.
October 1, 2007
A wonderful memoir by a Palestinian Christian. He was slightly bitter at times, but with the history of persecution suffered, I'm going to be the last one to judge.
January 17, 2016
Vivid and real accounts of the difficulties being a Palestinian Christian living in war-torn Bethlehem
May 14, 2012
Very good. It is good to hear the Palestinian Christian Perspective
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews