Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes

by Mitri Raheb

A Palestinian Christian theologian shows how the reality of empire shapes the context of the biblical story, and the ongoing experience of Middle East conflict.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, History, Christian, Politics

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2014

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in conservative Christian culture, it was taken for granted that we (individuals, Christians, America) need to support Israel. The creation of Israel was a miracle, a herald of the end-times. Israel remains God's chosen people. Any who attack Israel are attacking God and will be punished.

Over the years I've come to question this narrative for a variety of reasons. One reason is the simple realization that many of the Palestinians (the supposed "bad guys" in the above narrative) are my brothers and sisters in Christ. At any rate, I wish I had had this book years ago. Mitri Raheb is a Palestinian Christian who argues that modern-day Israel has more in common with the biblical empires that attacked God's people (Assyria, Babylon) than with ancient Israel. There is more value in this book as a story of life from a Palestinian Christian than there is in specific Bible study. Yet that alone makes the book worthwhile.

The Bible study side is good, but kind of sloppy at times. One question I had at the outset was how he would answer the question that "Palestine" as a land was not created till after the time of the New Testament. He does talk about this (not explicitly) by noting that the people of Palestine have changed their identity over the millennia just as the land has changed in name from Canaan to Philistia to Israel. I think his interpretation would be that if Israel today is a modern-day empire, then Palestine is akin to the people of the land the empires oppress which at times in the Bible was the Canaanites and the Hebrews and Jews and so on. Rather than looking for a one-to-one correspondence, he is drawing broad brush comparisons.

Overall I think this is successful. Modern-day Israel is not the same as ancient Israel. For Christians, our primary family is those who confess Christ from all nations, peoples and tribes. As a comfortable, middle-class Christian living in America, this is the sort of book I need to read. It challenges my assumptions, reminds me that Jesus was extremely political (though not in the way I may think), and cares for more than just spiritual salvation. Further, Raheb manages to not just be critical of pro-Israel conservative Christians, but also of more left-leaning Christians. He calls not just for nonviolent resistance, but for a creative resistance. Nonviolent resistance, he argues, puts the onus on the Palestinians while ignoring the state terror of Israel. Creative resistance calls for stories from the oppressed towards the creation of something better.

Overall, this is a great book. Perhaps Raheb could be faulted for being one-sided, after all there is plenty of violence on the Palestinian side. I suspect he'd say state sponsored terror from Israel is on a whole other plane than the violence from oppressed Palestinians running out of hope. And he'd also call Palestinians to lay aside violence. Also, I think many in the conservative Christian world have only heard the pro-Israel side anyway and to ask Raheb to not be too one-sided is sort of unfair. Like I said, I didn't even know there were Christians in Palestine till I was an adult. So Raheb is a voice that Christians in America need to hear as we shape our opinions and actions, both as Christians and Americans.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by a Palestinian Lutheran pastor and activist, puts forth a liberation theology from a Palestinian perspective in which he equates the people of of God in Scripture with the Palestinians today, and then Israeli government as just another in a long string of empires going back to ancient times that have dominated and oppressed the people of this era. In so doing he directly challenges those Christian and Jewish groups who regard the state of Israel as a biblical harbinger to the coming of the Messiah. He set straight the confusion that is put forth that somehow the state of Israel is equated with the chosen people of the Hebrew and Christian testaments. I found the book refreshing and challenging. My only regret is that he does not call for a specific way for the church to respond in this time. Perhaps he thought the book could prompt thinking on this matter. For any person of faith concerned about the state of affairs in the Middle East this is an important book to read

January 23, 2019 - I re read this book for a discussion group and found it even more compelling in light of recent oppressions by the State of Israel and the United States. The notion that Israel is not the "true Israel" of the Bible as Christian fundamentalists claim, but yet another expression of Empire that goes back to the time of Assyria in the 500 BCE era. Also, that current Palestinians are the true people of the land who have been repressed and beaten down for centuries. These are key insights that shed new light on current efforts to call the government of Israel to account for its repressive policies and hubris.

[Nikayla Reize · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is short and easy to read and helped.me understand so much of what's happening in Gaza. This is the perfect book for students learning Hermeneutics or marginalized theologies.

He opens by discussing the way Palestine continues to be forgotten..the ppl continue to cry out....church historians are guilty of tracking "salvation history" until 70CE and then forgetting the land entirely until 1947 when Israel was made. Or...church historians track the history until 70CE and then slowly move west until reformation history and American history takes over our notion of "church history". But when you stay in Palestine...from 70AD until now....we are in church history. I highly recommend this book.

Mitri Reheb was born in Bethlehem. His dad was born in Bethlehem is 1905 as an Ottoman citizen with Ottoman ID papers. As a teen, he became British...as the British took over the Ottoman claim to the land and he became a citizen of Mandate Palestine by the British government. Then in 1949, Bethlehem became a part of Jordan so his dad was now a citizen of the Kingdom of Jordan. When he died in 1975, he died under Israeli occupation with an ID card issued by Israel. Same land.... 4 different identities. So ppl say, "well the Jews were there first...and then the Ottomans...and the Turks...etc...", we gotta remember the same ppl were in the land...just given new titles by empire..
New ID papers...same ppl though. This book was sooo eye opening. He concludes with a theology of resurrection....that Palestinians are willing to die for Palestine, but Reheb imagines a people willing to LIVE....willing to invest in future like Jer 32.....he talks about what peace looks like when it's granted by the empire and peace granted by Jesus......a peace where lion lays down with lamb, not where Cyrus is Messiah (Isa 45).....dismantle empire....for community, freedom, resurrection.

[Kevin Maness · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's so much I loved about this book, and I learned a great deal about the history and people of Palestine and what they have endured for millennia. There were also bold theological interpretations of Hebrew and Christian scripture that I found exciting and energizing.

But I think Raheb stumbles in the final pages, where solutions disintegrate into vague, even cliche, statements of hope and vision.

I know I'm a pessimist (I don't think I always was), but I just can't catch a foot- or hand-hold in the final chapter and epilogue in the context of the genocidal violence Israel uses today to crush Palestine and her people. As disappointing as the Arab Spring turned out to be, I suppose it was probably easier to write of a vague sense of possibility becoming reality then than it would be today. Maybe?

Still, I highly recommended read for any interested in the people of Palestine and in a liberation theology imagined by and for Palestinians—and, really, for the whole Euro-Mediterranean region, especially the violence-ridden land between the river and the sea.

[Meredithhb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book and discussing it chapter by chapter with a group has thoroughly enriched my perspective on Palestinians’ situation. The author, who tells us he’s lived through 9 wars in his lifetime (and who has experienced Israeli occupation since he was 5 years old), is a theologian and professor at Bethlehem Bible College. To me, his overall lived (personal and professional) experience creates compelling and credible insights into a conflict that affects our political and religious world.

[Stephen G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a pastor trying to help my congregation think biblically about the conflict in Israel, I appreciated reading Raheb's perspective. Raheb is a Palestinian Christian theologian and pastor who is critical of Israel the nation-state. His claim is that the nation-state of Israel is not the same as biblical Israel and that what's happening to Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government is state-sponsored terror. He tells the story of the people of Palestine, how their identity has changed repeatedly throughout history because of empires who have conquered them. He explains how God is with the oppressed even when they are on the "losing side" of conquest like the Palestinians have experienced.

I think this book may help provide some balance to evangelicals who see God's promises to Israel as 100% applicable to the current nation of Israel and who see the Palestinians as the "bad guys." Raheb helped me see that what is happening in Palestine is very complicated and nuanced.

While the book was very thought-provoking, I didn't find Raheb's conclusions particularly specific or actionable. I would have loved to hear what he would encourage Christians in the West to do in light of what he presented or what next steps he'd recommend.

Lastly, I plan to read a book on Christian Zionism next and contrast it with Raheb's work. Considering the history of conflict in this region and the multiple layers involved, I believe more robust, nuanced conversation amongst evangelicals is needed to sort out what our perspective and role as Christians should be.

[Jake Doberenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather easy read, Raheb’s book offers a refreshing look at biblical history in relation to the land of Palestine while describing how faith impacts his imagination and hope for his people. It’s certainly a theological primer and not a practical guide, but I would have loved more details on “how” a Christian should oppose an oppressive regime beyond his recommendations for nonviolence and creative resistance. All around great stuff and quite quotable!

[Katlen (therosepetals__) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The modern state of Israel is not biblical Israel but more like the empires that oppressed ancient Israel. More like the Roman Empire that oppressed the Palestinian Jew, Jesus Christ. The mighty military world power that is Israel is a product of European colonialism and an extension of the United States Empire in the “Middle East.” This book of theology begins with the geopolitics and the history of empires occupying Palestine. Raheb explains the characteristics of empire and relates it to the Palestinian struggle. He notes how Israel controls the movement and resources of Palestinians and commits ethnic cleansing and state terror against them, causing a refugee crisis with more than five million Palestinians displaced. He also examines how Israel, even atheist Jews, use theology to justify their rule.

While historically well written and concise, this is a book of liberation theology. I was moved with great emotion and hope as this Palestinian pastor explained how faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible inspires and sustains believers in the face of empire. Many Palestinians and other oppressed groups view the suffering of Jesus Christ at the hands of the Roman Empire as relatable and feel empowered by His resurrection. Raheb also translates Jesus’ teaching of the meek inheriting the Earth as wisdom that empires will not last forever. This book emphasizes faith as a form of resistance. Though the empire may seek to harm the body, it cannot crush the spirit. The resilience of the Palestinian people is testament to their faith, whether in higher power, in humanity, in themselves or all of the above.

Raheb states: “Faith is the key to dismantling the empire. Restoring people’s confidence and faith is an important step toward liberation. It all starts in the brain. The oppressed have to begin thinking what seems to be the unthinkable. They have to know and realize that ‘yes, we can.’”

Favourite book of the year most definitely. Appreciate the love the author showed to Palestinian scholar, Edward Said, didn’t realize he was a Christian as well.

[Christine Convery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful although somewhat mis-named book. It did not examine the bible itself but did point out the many blind spots and ignorance Western Christians have to the Palestinian freedom struggle and argue that it is continuous with the fight against empires in biblical times. I wish the history outlined were more specific instead of sweeping statements like "for thousands of years the same events recurred." The portrayals of modern events were more useful. The best part, to me, was when it got into liberation theology in the Palestinian context and the key questions of scripture and faith relevant to the marginalized and oppressed (where is God/who is Jesus).

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

An invaluable perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Palestinian point of view. The book's best contribution is the description of daily life for Palestinian refugees living in Israeli-occupied territory, including the list of human rights violations experienced therein.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitri Raheb is a Palestinian Christian. Raised in a Christian home. Thoroughly credentialed as a pastor and thought leader. (I refer you to his website where you'll find a complete listing of all the awards he's won.)

What makes Dr. Raheb unique is his hermeneutical lens, which is his own history as a Palestinian. He uses this lens to examine the historical and cultural foundation upon which the current existence of Palestine rests.

He notes that Palestine has, for the most part, always existed as an occupied territory of one empire or another.

"Oppressed people are likely to stop imagining and stop developing bold ideas; they are caught up in the everyday struggle of providing the daily bread of survival. Reversing this dynamic is true resistance. True resistance is not killing a soldier or civilian or blowing up buildings. These are reactionary measures. Resistance is action, not reaction."

And where was Jesus in all this? For openers, it's helpful to remember that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew.

"In order to understand Jesus' way in terms of liberation we first have to ask what paths he did not choose."

Raheb goes on to observe that Jesus: never had a desire to go to Rome (the center of the then-occupying empire; had no desire to create a political party (he was extremely popular, but didn't align himself with a political party, he could have been king, but refused). The final thing Raheb notes is that "Jesus had no desire whatsoever to be a religious leader... He had the opportunity to become a leader of great renown, but he refused. He simply had a different political agenda to liberate the people of Palestine."

"Jesus believed that liberation started with empowering those who were marginalized," writes Raheb.

One of the key ingredients for liberation, writes Raheb, is spiritual. "In the Middle East there is too much religion and too little spirituality... What type of spirituality therefore, is needed in the face of the empire?"

For Raheb, peace in the Middle East will not come via military aggression. "It is a sad and terribly strange commentary to live in an age where waging war becomes logical and where questioning war is seen as demented. What is truly insane is to spend billions of dollars on arms and military equipment. Spending on military equipment comes at the cost of educating, empowering and employing people. Regions are not safer with all these weapons..."

As for efforts for the US and Israel to force peace terms, Raheb acknowledges that "peace dictated by the empire is not desirable, doable or durable." He goes on to say that "All life in general, and life in the Holy Land in particular, is a matter of living in the tension between the 'the world as it is' with all its ugly and painful realities and the 'world as it could be.'"

And, towards the end of his book, Raheb points to the power of faith in moving forward. But first, he puts forth quite a disclaimer: "Faith that makes people passive, depressive or delusional is not faith but opium."

Given this more inclusive idea of faith, Raheb remains amazingly hopeful. "Without faith, there is no imagination; without imagination, there is no innovation; and without innovation, there is no future. Faith embodies the view that we can imagine something that was not, until the present, part of our history."

[Peter Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an exceptionally good read. Quite well written and substantive. It's brief but electric with insight and observations drawn from study, prayer, pastoral work, and daily life.

Raheb tells us at the outset, “In this book I look at the history of Palestine, ancient and modern, as a continuous history, with diverse and unique contexts, yet with recurring themes.” This theme is crucial and especially sets this book apart. Raheb is unrelenting in his refusal to allow Palestinians and their nation to be assigned arbitrary classification, set into neat little boxes created by colonial masters of any era. He declares, "In this sense Palestinians today stand in historic continuity with biblical Israel. The native people of the land are the Palestinians. The Palestinian people (Muslims, Christians, and Palestinian Jews) are a critical and dynamic continuum from Canaan to biblical times, from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Turkish eras up to the present day. They are the native peoples, who survived those empires and occupations, and they are also the remnant of those
invading armies and settlers who decided to remain in the land to integrate rather than to return to their original homelands."

This may be a challenging thesis for some readers, but Raheb makes the case with passion and erudition.

Likewise, his hermaneutics may be challenging for some. But for this reader, who (for better or worse) does not have a formal theological education, the discussion of the Pharisees (as discussed in the New Testament) and Pentecost, among other issues, was incisive and conclusive.

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good.

To start with, Raheb gives us a bracing view of empire, from a Palestinian perspective. 50 years old at the time of writing, he has already witnessed nine wars. His father, born in Bethlehem in 1905, lived as a subject of 4 different kingdoms - Ottoman, British, Jordanian, and Israeli. Palestine, at the crossroads of so many historical empires, has been occupied by them all.

From this vantage point, Raheb has a lot to say.

Some of it:
Chapter 1: History and the Biblical Story
History is complicated. The Bible was written a long time ago, and the whole long scope of history must be considered when looking at a particular land and people and culture. Myth is easier and more present but sloppier than history.
Chapter 5: Empire
Features of any empire, including American/Western-sponsored Israeli control of Palestine: control of movement, control of resources, settlement, state terror, exile, and imperial theology - a myth that places God on the side of the powerful.
Chapter 6: The People of Palestine
Gives voice to four questions asked by subjugated people, particularly poignantly in this case. 1) Where are you, God? 2) Who is my neighbor? 3) What is the road to liberation? (fighting back, law observance, accommodation, collaboration, and retrieval all not adequate) 4) When will we have a state?
Chapter 9: The Spirit
Raheb advocates for a spirit of "not by might", diversity, "more than victims", freedom, women's equality, creative resistance, and culture of life -- all of this bolstered by the spirit of Jesus.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had an opportunity to visit with Christian leaders in Bethlehem and this book was recommended by several of them. After completing it I can see why.

Raheb is a Palestinian Christian and his thesis is essentially, "What if we read the Bible, specifically the New Testament, from the perspective of occupied people." Most Christians are aware that the region where Jesus lived and taught was under Roman occupation while He walked the Earth. From the Palestinian perspective, their region has been occupied for most of history, including by Israel today. Raheb shows the reader Jesus' words from this perspective.

While some statements Raheb makes about Jesus' thought process are obviously supposition I truly appreciated his perspective. I am a Christian who has lived my entire life in America and it's only been recently that I have thought about the Palestinian perspective, which is why I found this book informative and thought provoking.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding the current conflicts in the Middle East.

[Aaron White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raheb says, “I was born in Bethlehem into a Palestinian Christian family. Palestine is my home and Christianity is my faith. This is the land of my physical and spiritual ancestors. I was born under Jordanian rule and, at the age of five, experienced the beginning of the Israeli occupation of Bethlehem. I have just turned fifty years of age and have already witnessed nine wars.” Raheb, a pastor and the founder and president of Dar al-Kalima University College in Bethlehem, helps the reader see both the Bible and the geo-political-religious-historical realities in Palestine through fresh and often jarring eyes. He sees the Bible as a firmly anti-Imperial document that carries a message of context, plurality, and spirit against the attempts to enforce homogeneity under religious or imperial law. He holds well the tension of what is with what could or should be, and urges people not to lose hope while also having our feet firmly on the ground. Written in 2014 during the Arab Spring, this is a profoundly helpful, challenging and timely book.

[marcus miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raheb, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor provides an overview of the Bible through the lens of the Palestinian Christian experience. The book reminded me of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed as Raheb provides a strong critique of “Empire’s” and the religions, specifically western Christendom, which support and sustain empires. Raheb explains much of the daily reality of Palestinian life and the way these experiences can be used to aid our understandings of God and the role of God’s people in the world.
Reading this I thought of the World History text I sort of use in class and its focus on empires. It covers Greece, Rome, includes the Chinese dynasties, the Mughals, Ottomans, Spanish, British, African kingdoms, the Aztec, Incas, Mayans and a host of others. How would the world be different if history were told a different way.

[Jim Dobbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, and provides a solid counter-narrative to the prevailing, unquestioning support of Israel, particularly in the current, post-October 7th, wartime events in Gaza, and to some extent, in the West Bank. Balance is hard to find in the news reports, and even current opinion pieces, so this is helpful. It's not balanced - it's decidedly anti-Zionist - but since most of what we read is either full-on pro-Israel, or just knee-jerk, and somewhat ignorant, criticism of Israel, it provides a more in-depth and theological perspective on both the current events and the history of Palestine. Even though I've rated it just three stars (it's not phenomenal - just good), I'm really glad I read it.

[Spencer Wirth]

While this book seeks to offer a new historical lens through which the history of the land of Palestine, Canaan as it is connected, to the people's which have lived there and continue to live there to this very day as commentary on the contemporary conflict. The audience of this book is one which curtails the seriousness of the material, and it is found lacking in any point of persuasion as the majority of argumentation is that of revelations which should be obvious to anyone who took a Bible course outside of a Sunday sermon. The piece itself is written in a manner seemingly of the author expressing a frustration at the intended audience, and is also an attempt to reclaim the continuity of history which is noble and necessary to a thorough understanding of our time.

[Lee Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positives: History is written by the victors, so this is a look at the Middle East/Holy Land/Palestine by a Christian and educator born in Bethlehem and living in Jerusalem. It's only 130 pages, but I've been thinking about many of its points.

Negatives: Mitri Raheb says he started out wanting to write a scholarly paper only being read in divinity school, but decided this was such an important topic it needed to be more accessible to lay people. For me, it was still fairly high level. The writing was circular. I also wanted more examples, since the subtitle is The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes, of Bible passages we've traditionally translated/viewed from Western or empiric viewpoints.

[Moved to Storygraph! (daisydostoevsky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not from the Middle East, and I get most of my world news from Western media outlets, so I have always refused to comment about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, wary that my ignorance of the history of the conflict will produce a problematic opinion.

I’m thankful I picked up this book not only because it’s a comprehensive and progressive overview of the conflict but also because it’s a PERSONAL account, which makes all the difference in cases like this. For the first time, I’m hearing it from a Palestinian himself, and who else knows it better? This has to be one of the most relevant use of hermeneutics today.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent view on the people of Palestine across the centuries of empires that have controlled such an ancient and historic, as well as meaningful, land. It sheds light onto the Bible and Christian theology that is often missing in American contexts/understandings of the sacred text. Raheb approaches this subject with the close vulnerability of someone who has grown up in Palestine and with the professional background of historical fact and Biblical commentary. I think this is a wonderful book to read for Christians looking to understand more about the contemporary contexts for the people descended from the first followers of Christ as well as their own faith.

[Bob Koshin Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

needed witness

A very helpful overview and deep theological, thinking about the future of Palestine. I truly am a person of faith, but I wonder if non-violence will be the only way we can change this situation. He’s use of imagination is very helpful. We know that one’s imagination and the imagination of the community will also work miracles for everyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all faith.

[Mark Edlund · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non Fiction - Raheb is a Palestinian Christian. He makes a compelling argument based on history, the Bible and current events that the oft-conquered Palestinians are the true owners of Israel. He offers no solution but makes an interesting case. I thought often reading this book that "History is written by the winners."
No Canadian or pharmacy references.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I have ever encountered anything from a Palestinian Christian, an excellent book! Eye opening and worthy of deep thought and discussion. After reading this book and learning more I find I have great sympathies for the Palestinian people. The author's hope for his people is living proof of the hope of Jesus's resurrection in our world today.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Which side are you on? Israel? Palestine? Jews? Arabs? Warriors? Peacemakers? Bombers? Boycotters? Here's a Christian Palestinian point of view. No matter which side you're on (and 'sides' may be the central problem) here is an essential and unique perspective. Anyone who has any opinion about Middle East conflict needs to read this compact and easy-to-read book.

[J Percell Lakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backs Against the Wall

An eye-opening book that shows how important it is to listen to those voices that we tend not to center in the context of really significant issues. It also reminded me of the importance of challenging the narratives we tend to inherit without critiquing them or without allowing other voices to challenge our assumptions.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Faith is facing the empire with open eyes that allow us to analyze what is happening while, at the same time, developing the ability to see beyond our present capacities. Hope is living the reality and yet investing in a different one.”
very true and a good reminder. i appreciated this book as a window into a Palestinian perspective on the Bible and would highly recommend it.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb has here written a very accessible treatment of historical, geographical, political and theological realities of Palestinians. No matter what starting point the reader brings, they are sure to learn from this brief and important work. Highly recommended for individuals and church study groups.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Faithful Perspective In a Time of Great Conflict

A very personal and comprehensive perspective of the Palestinian conflict. It offers grounding thoughts and a vision of hope for change.

[ashley mcqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the conflict in Israel and Palestine. It was great preparation for my visit, and something I will reread to get a deeper understanding (although, I will likely never fully understand the depths and complexities of what is occurring in the land).