Israel, the Church, and the Middle East: A biblical response to the current conflict

by Darrell L. Bock, Mitch Glaser (Editor), Joel C. Rosenberg (Foreword)

The relationship between the church and Israel has been the source of passionate debate among Christians throughout much of church history. In recent years the traditional pro-Israel stance of evangelicals has come under fire by those who support the Palestinian cause, calling for a new perspective and more nuanced approach by Christians who believe that the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people by virtue of God’s covenants and promises.Israel, the Church, and the Middle East challenges the supersessionist drift of the modern church, showing that God retains a plan and purpose for the Jewish people while also addressing a number of the divisive issues raised by authors critical both of Israel and of those who affirm Israel's right to the land. The book explores the hermeneutics and wider effects of the conflict, such as the growing antipathy within the church toward the evangelization of the Jewish people. It provides readers with an objective and interdisciplinary treatment, which is irenic and respectful in tone.The book is directed toward pastors, global Christian leaders, theological students, and well-read lay Christians who are actively seeking guidance and resources regarding the Middle East conflict. The contributors represent a broad evangelical spectrum.

Genres: Theology, Israel, History, Biblical Studies

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2018

About the author

Darrell L. Bock is a New Testament scholar and research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, United States. Bock received his PhD from Scotland's University of Aberdeen.

Reviews

[David Bruyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, multi-author work on Israel's relationship to the land, both ancient and modern. A healthy corrective to the anti-Israel sentiment that is growing.

[Chrys Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book.. I especially enjoyed the last several chapters. The first few sections on the Bible and theology made a lot of broad, sweeping accusations against covenant theology/"replacement theology" or supercessionism. However, there are many reformed and covenant theologians who are far from the anti-semitic type of supercessionism. While there was heavy dispensationalism (or at least progressive), it was still worth reading to give me their perspective and help me see that there are many in Reformed history who share a vision for a future Israel without all the baggage that comes with dispensationalism. The sections on Messianic Judaism and Christianity in Palestine were excellent.

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will be informative for those who have no knowledge of Israel in the context of God’s promises and the fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming. This was not very informative for me personally. If you need to understand more about this topic, then you will find this helpful.