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| St Jerome by Caravaggio |
A few weeks ago there was this brouhaha over a CBS report on the alleged Israeli discrimination of Palestinian Christians. I will
not comment this diversion tactic, but the
whole affair made me think about a few interesting things…
Palestinians are beginning to open their eyes: they
have realised that violence will not bear the desired fruits. They have noticed
that the Western World (their major donor) does not fancy violence much;
particularly when a group pledges to peace while at the same time making alliances with terrorist groups. But don’t get your hopes high just yet;
Palestinians are not going to quit violence (since their bosses [Iran and Saudi
Arabia] don’t want them to) yet, but they’ve found more intelligent ways of
waging wars against Israel – diplomatic (seeking statehood recognition around
the world and at several UN bodies); political (stalling negotiations); public
relations (victimisation & smearing campaigns); media (feeding tensions)
and now religious politics with a financial twist.
American Evangelical Christians donate hundreds of
millions of dollars per annum to Israel. The IFCJ says they do it mainly
because the State of Israel is the fulfilment of a biblical prophecy.
The Palestinians are not oblivious to this. They think
of the word “Christian” and see two things: 1) millions of dollars pouring into
the Israeli cause; 2) a fulfilled biblical prophecy that may lead to the
fulfilment of the most dreaded prophecy of them all, with the Christian
support. Therefore, they must divide American Christians and Jews to conquer;
and whom do they use? Their own Christians – let the campaign begin!
A Christian professes a religion based upon the life
and the teachings of Jesus Christ and lives his life according to Christian
values. One relates Christian values to Western values. So, here’s a question;
what are Palestinian Christians first and foremost: Palestinian or Christian?
We have Israeli Christians, Japanese Christians,
Indian Christians and Indonesian Christians (for example); however, although
loyal to their countries, they can be aligned with Western values and they
don’t corrupt their religion in the name of politics.
Palestinians are not saints: they often try to sneak,
into Israel, improvised explosive devices to commit terror attacks; they have
conducted terrorist attacks in buses, restaurants and nightclubs; they
broadcast messages of hatred (that go well beyond the aspirations to statehood)
etc; and I do not see Palestinian Christians decrying these unchristian acts in
public. I do not see them supporting the brothers of Jesus Christ (an
outstanding Jewish man). Yet I see them allowing Palestinian Muslims to manipulate their faith in order to hijack American Evangelical Christians’
donations…
So, what are Palestinian Christians first and
foremost: Palestinian or Christian? Apparently, they are more Palestinian (i.e.
aligned with Arab political values) than anything else.
In the name of the Power, of the Politics and of the
Holy Money: Amen!
Comments
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Dissecting Society™ welcomes all sorts of comments, as we are strong advocates of freedom of speech; however, we reserve the right to delete Troll Activity; libellous and offensive comments (e.g. racist and anti-Semitic) plus those with excessive foul language. This blog does not view vulgarity as being protected by the right to free speech. Cheers
Ah, you are lucky that you are not a Muslim in India. S/He is always asked if s/he is a Muslim Indian or an Indian Muslim. Ever since our partition, the whole lot are subject to this inquisition and it does not help that they name their children Osama and Khalid. Remember the great game that Britain played in this development?
ReplyDeleteHi Rummy :D!
Delete"Ah, you are lucky that you are not a Muslim in India. S/He is always asked if s/he is a Muslim Indian or an Indian Muslim."
You know, that question is asked everywhere because most Muslims say that they are Muslim first and then whichever nationality they may possess. And of course, that makes people question their patriotism...
"Ever since our partition, the whole lot are subject to this inquisition and it does not help that they name their children Osama and Khalid. Remember the great game that Britain played in this development?"
I see what you mean and you raise a very good point: naming their children Osama and Khalid does seem to reflect an integration problem, doesn't it? But again, is it ethical to ask them to forget their cultural and/or religious heritage?
Yes, I remember well that game...
Rummy, thank you so much for your most appreciated comment :D.
Cheers
Max, like you were discussing with Rummuser it is not rare to hear some muslims say that their nation is Islam, so it is legitimate to many of us asking what are they "X muslim or muslim X?". As christians we constantly speak of jerusalem, of Israel, of the chosen people and like that we are to be aligned with Israel because Jesus was a Jew. I understand that even christian palestinians need a state (and I am all in favor of it) but what I don't understand yet is whom they pay allegiance to: Rome or Mecca?
ReplyDeleteHi Josefina :D!
DeleteWelcome to the MAX experience!
"I understand that even christian palestinians need a state (and I am all in favor of it) but what I don't understand yet is whom they pay allegiance to: Rome or Mecca?"
I too am in favour of a Palestinian state; but to answer you question: not all of them are Catholic or eastern orthodox, they are also oriental orthodox therefore not all of them would pay allegiance to Rome.
But I see what you mean and I am inclined to agree that they are aligned with arabic political interests.
Josefina, thank you so much for your input. I hope to see more of you here :D.
Cheers
Olá Max,
ReplyDeleteIt gives us some kind of hope to see that Palestinians are changing their MO. Even if they play dirty at times (which they do) at least they now know that violence may not be the most effective key. However, I am concerned about their dangerous relationship with Iran and what is the deal with Saudi Arabia?
Christians in the middle east are slippery. They are known for supporting the oppressor: Christians in Iraq supported Saddam, Christians in Syria are supporting Al-Assad, Christians in Palestine support not a terrorist group but a group that in a way oppresses Palestinians (until today the territories controlled by Fatah do not have infrastructures, water treatment, an industry for crying out loud) and facilitates terrorism against Israel.
At least Christians in Lebanon are clear about their position regarding Hezbollah and for that reason they get westerner supporter.
If American Evangelical Christians are smart they won't fall for this dirty Palestinian campaign.
Tchau
Celeste, I agree with you on middle eastern christians. We must pray for our brothers.
DeleteP.
Olá Celeste :D!
Delete"However, I am concerned about their dangerous relationship with Iran and what is the deal with Saudi Arabia?"
Indeed. Saudi Arabia fuels the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis that's all I can say for now.
"(Christians) are known for supporting the oppressor: Christians in Iraq supported Saddam, Christians in Syria are supporting Al-Assad, Christians in Palestine support not a terrorist group but a group that in a way oppresses Palestinians (until today the territories controlled by Fatah do not have infrastructures, water treatment, an industry for crying out loud) and facilitates terrorism against Israel."
True. Do you think it is survival instinct?
"At least Christians in Lebanon are clear about their position regarding Hezbollah and for that reason they get westerner supporter."
Indeed...
"If American Evangelical Christians are smart they won't fall for this dirty Palestinian campaign."
lol I believe they are smart.
Celeste, thank you ever so much for your much appreciated input :D.
Cheers
Are you assuming that all Christians (followers of Jesus and his teachings) believe the Bible is the word of God and that everything in it is literally true? I know plenty (none of them Palestinians) who don't. Again, it would be interesting to have a poll to see how many would agree with your one-state solution.
ReplyDeleteA true christian, follower of Jesus, believes the bible is the word of God and of His son Jesus Christ. The christians you know are obviously not real christians.
DeleteCheerful monk, I can not obviously speak for Max and I don't know you, because this is my first time here, but any real christian knows the Bible is the living word of God, our Lord! Everything in it is as absolutely true as is the Lord. Those christians you know are either confused or they have distanced themselves from our faith and many priests would even question their christianity.
DeleteYou speak of "your one-state solution" but I didn't read anything about it in the this text so I'm a bit lost here!
P.
Anonymous,
DeleteIn comments to a previous post Max wrote,
"Around 78,5% of the US population is Christian; 77% of the population in Canada is Christian; 80% of Europe is Christian and 64% of Australians are Christian; therefore the majority in the West believes in the Bible."
The question is how many of those people are just self-professed Christians and how many are true Christians in your sense?
Max also referred to the following quote:
"In order to have peace the two state solution must be buried and forgotten, there is only one state solution: an undivided Israel, period."
Do you consider ex-President Carter to be a true Christian? As I understand it he was trying to broker peace, not pushing for all of the area to be part of Israel. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Hi Jean :D!
Delete"Are you assuming that all Christians (followers of Jesus and his teachings) believe the Bible is the word of God and that everything in it is literally true? I know plenty (none of them Palestinians) who don't."
Observant Christians do believe the Bible is the word of God. Evangelicals believe that everything in it is literally true, other Christians may or not have a different opinion on this subject; however they all believe in the promise.
"Again, it would be interesting to have a poll to see how many would agree with your one-state solution."
Darling, we have just recently crossed paths and that is why I am going to cut you some slack. Had we crossed ways, let's say, last year...you would've realised that I am totally in favour of a two-state solution.
Jean, my dear, thank you ever so much for your comment :D.
Cheers
Jean,
Delete«Max also referred to the following quote: "In order to have peace the two state solution must be buried and forgotten, there is only one state solution: an undivided Israel, period."..»
An Anonymous reader uttered those words, not me. My answer to his (these) words were:
"I think the Palestinians should have a state, only not in Israeli land." and by "not in Israeli land" I mean not in Judea and Samaria.
:)
Yes, the state of Israel is the fufilment of a biblical prophecy and we are more than willing to contribute for the security of the promised land, amen!
ReplyDeleteHi Evangelical Christian :D!
DeleteWelcome to the MAX experience!
I am sure Israel is much obliged and thank you so much for your input :D!
I hope to see more of you.
Cheers
As a catholic I am very much interested in this theme.
ReplyDeleteEvery sunday we speak of brotherly love, we speak of peace in Jesus and I wonder how the middle eastern christians feel when their priest preaches about these things, since they, with the exception of the coptic christians and the lebanese christians, often support regimes that oppress their brothers, their countrymen and in the name of what? Freedom to attend the mass on sundays? Freedom to be a christian?
Max, one of your readers sent me the link of this blog and suggested that I start following it. I will be back.
P.
Hi Anonymous P. :D!
DeleteWelcome to the MAX experience!
"Every sunday we speak of brotherly love, we speak of peace in Jesus and I wonder how the middle eastern christians feel when their priest preaches about these things, since they, with the exception of the coptic christians and the lebanese christians, often support regimes that oppress their brothers, their countrymen and in the name of what? Freedom to attend the mass on sundays? Freedom to be a christian?"
Like I told Celeste, perhaps it is all about survival instinct, who knows?
"Max, one of your readers sent me the link of this blog and suggested that I start following it. I will be back."
Why, thank you (and your friend you suggested my blog) *bowing*. Please do come back :D.
P, thank you so much for your comment (I appreciated it) :D.
Cheers
Max, the conversation is heating up in here! I agree that there is clearly a change of strategy on the Palestinian camp which is making politics more interesting. As for the Christian Palestinians: they are being used for political purposes and it isn't the first time.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of Abbas' latest "warning"? It concerns the latest palestinian weapon: hunger strikes.
Hi Ana :D!
Delete"the conversation is heating up in here!"
You know?
"I agree that there is clearly a change of strategy on the Palestinian camp which is making politics more interesting. As for the Christian Palestinians: they are being used for political purposes and it isn't the first time."
I agree.
"Have you heard of Abbas' latest "warning"? It concerns the latest palestinian weapon: hunger strikes."
I did, I did: how interesting is that? But I don't think this latest weapon will bear fruits, really...not even near the international community (because it would open a terrible precedent).
Ana, thank you ever so much for your much appreciated comment :D.
Cheers
Is it ethical to ask them that question? When I ask the same question to Non Muslims, the answer is "Is it ethical of them to place pan Islam above national interests?
ReplyDeleteRummy,
Delete"Is it ethical to ask them that question? When I ask the same question to Non Muslims, the answer is "Is it ethical of them to place pan Islam above national interests?"
Point taken!
What do you think of the new Deputy Prime Minister of Israel? From the Economist:
ReplyDeleteMr Mofaz, moreover, urges new activism in the moribund peace process. He has been acidly critical of Mr Netanyahu's passivity. He advocates the immediate creation of a Palestinian state on 60% of the West Bank followed by negotiations over the remainder. He accepts—as Mr Netanyahu does not—the 1967 border as the basis for a final, negotiated peace, with territory swaps to take account of the large Israeli settlement blocks inside the West Bank.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/05/israeli-politics?fsrc=nlw|newe|5-9-2012|1697594|37330571|
Jean,
Delete"What do you think of the new Deputy Prime Minister of Israel?"
He is a former likudnik, that's what I think of him for now.
"From the Economist: Mr Mofaz, moreover, urges new activism in the moribund peace process. He has been acidly critical of Mr Netanyahu's passivity. He advocates the immediate creation of a Palestinian state on 60% of the West Bank followed by negotiations over the remainder. He accepts—as Mr Netanyahu does not—the 1967 border as the basis for a final, negotiated peace, with territory swaps to take account of the large Israeli settlement blocks inside the West Bank."
Yes, but by signing the new coalition agreement "Kadima will join Netanyahu's government and commit to supporting its policies through the end of its term in late 2013".
So, perhaps Mr Mofaz will have to wait until late 2013 for the elections and hope to win so that he can implement his political ambitions for the State of Israel.
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to post since yesterday. There must have been a Blogger glitch again.
This is not my field of knowledge but as far as I know Christianity has always been about politics, i.e. Pope Julius II's reign was marked by foreign policy. Though the relationship is labyrinthine and controversial, the roots are so entrenched that I think they will be virtually impossible to uproot.
As long as religion and politics exists, they will be joined at the hip and the name of God will be misused for the agenda of the day.
"In the name of the Power, of the Politics and of the Holy Money: Amen!"
Great line. Another Winner.
God, Not Politics Cheers!
Hi Lady A :D!
Delete"I have been trying to post since yesterday. There must have been a Blogger glitch again."
What matters is that you managed to get here today ;).
"This is not my field of knowledge but as far as I know Christianity has always been about politics, i.e. Pope Julius II's reign was marked by foreign policy. Though the relationship is labyrinthine and controversial, the roots are so entrenched that I think they will be virtually impossible to uproot."
True that is, darling.
"As long as religion and politics exists, they will be joined at the hip and the name of God will be misused for the agenda of the day."
You know it!
"["In the name of the Power, of the Politics and of the Holy Money: Amen!"] Great line. Another Winner."
Thank you *bowing*. I am glad you liked it.
Lady A, thank you so much for your outstanding comment :D.
God, Not Politics - Amen Cheers
Notice what happens when you let go of all beleifs, political, religious and otherwise. Something remains. Notice this without judgement and feel the wave.
ReplyDeleteHi Liara :D!
DeleteIt is so good to see you! It has been a while, eh?
"Notice what happens when you let go of all beleifs, political, religious and otherwise. Something remains. Notice this without judgement and feel the wave."
I surely missed your wisdom, darling.
Liara, thank you so much for your comment. It was great to see you, it really was :D.
Cheers
hmmmm...this was the last thing to have happened, the social strata is just getting more and more fragmented. Today in almost all religions, if we see, with a religion, it has divided into so many cult groups, godmen based on linguistic lines, ethnicity, creed and so many other lines. Although they may profess to the same god, but ideologies are divided on the basis of their own agendas or motives and in the name of religion, they fragment the society to further their motives and the worst happens when it mixes with politics to give a unholy mixture. Its an unfortunate thing to have happened to religion, but I guess we have to live with this sordid reality till a magic wand can brush the mind of the innocuous.
ReplyDeleteHey Kalyan :D!
Delete"Today in almost all religions, if we see, with a religion, it has divided into so many cult groups, godmen based on linguistic lines, ethnicity, creed and so many other lines."
True. I recently learned that there something like 38,000 Christian denominations - how crazy is that?
"Although they may profess to the same god, but ideologies are divided on the basis of their own agendas or motives and in the name of religion, they fragment the society to further their motives and the worst happens when it mixes with politics to give a unholy mixture."
I usually say that although they profess the same religion they have managerial differences...and goals.
"Its an unfortunate thing to have happened to religion, but I guess we have to live with this sordid reality till a magic wand can brush the mind of the innocuous."
I agree.
Kalyan, superb comment as usual: thank you ever so much, my friend :D.
Cheers
Quelle promenade chez Max...
DeleteIl en reste que si l'on parle "Rome", on ne parle pas "Jésus"
Mais, si l'on parle "Jésus", on réfute les religions qui ne sont que des politiques.
Les traductions des livres religieux sont le plus souvent des interprétations...
Revenons à la parole d'amour à laquelle on devrait se référer en ouvrant les yeux le matin, ainsi, la base humaine serait lumière. D
Brasse, Max.
Salut Sérénité :D!
Delete"Quelle promenade chez Max..."
lol ouais...
"Les traductions des livres religieux sont le plus souvent des interprétations..."
Malheureusement, c'est bien vrai ce que tu dis là.
"Revenons à la parole d'amour à laquelle on devrait se référer en ouvrant les yeux le matin, ainsi, la base humaine serait lumière. D"
Des beaux mots, sans doute; ma chére!
Sérénité, merci bien d'avoir apporté avec toi la douceur, l'amour...enfin, la sérénité :).
Je t'embrasse
Jean,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this link :D. I had read a similar one before (comparing the Netanyahu-Mofaz coalition to the one made in 1967 between Eshkol and Dayan).
So, which part does it make sense to you?
"Des beaux mots"
ReplyDeleteCe que l'on appelle "des voeux pieux"
Bises du soir.
Sérénité,
DeleteMerci de m'avoir appris quelque chose de nouveau :D.
Bises