Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East.
(From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Sunday, 31 March 2013

"The Almond Rod": A Welcome New Christian Blog

British Methodist-turned-Anglican Ian G has been a reader of this blog since soon after it began.  His comments have always been welcome, and I've had reason to tip my hat to him on not a few occasions (he's not to be confused with another very welcome contributor, that resource extraordinary, Ian, whose latest links are in a comment on my previous post).

It was Ian G who enabled this post, which consists largely of his doughty protest to the British Museum regarding its inappropriate use of the P-word, and he also authored this guest post about a Christian NGO and its dangerous attitude to Israel.

Ian G must have the magic touch, because both posts received a lot of attention.

A retired teacher of religious studies, he has now launched a blog of his own, entitled "The Almond Rod," and while its main focus is irrelevant to our purposes, he intends to turn his attention to Israel and Zionism from time to time.

It being Easter, Ian has just put on a post called "Who Killed Jesus? Murder or Suicide?"  He tells me:
"It is an examination of the proper Christian understanding of what Jesus' death was all about. My argument, although lengthy as a blog post, is an outline of, what I believe to be, correct interpretation and theology. I make no concessions on what I believe, but I hope that I have shown that labelling the Jews as 'Christ-killers' is biblically illiterate, theologically unsound and illogical.  I hope it will be of interest to your readers ..."
Thanks, Ian G.  At a time when Israel is under constant and even increasing demonisation from so many in the Christian churches, who frankly ought to know better, your entry into the blogosphere is a welcome development!

2 comments:

  1. Dear Daphne,

    Thank you for your kind words and the disambiguation over the other Ian! I've almost been confused sometimes;-). A small point of accuracy, for a complex of reasons, I am no longer a Methodist but have returned 'home' to the Church of England. This is more about local conditions rather than a shift in theology which was never very Methodist, anyway. However, I am grateful to them for allowing me to exercise a preaching ministry for many years.

    I hope your readers will take a look at my blog and find something of interest.

    Chag Sameach and every blessing to all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the clarification, Ian. I will amend the post...

      Delete

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