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Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University (Chicago, Illinois). A popular and witty speaker, Dr. McKnight has given interviews on radios across the nation, has appeared on television, and is regularly asked to speak in local churches and educational events. Dr. McKnight obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham (1986). Click to continue reading Scot McKnight's Bio...
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derek4messiah.wordpress.com
Israel is fallible and human as we all are. Yet, what can a nation do with neighbors determined to keep killing them? Criticizing is easier than finding alternatives. But if anyone has alternatives to suggest, I'd be interested. Just make sure the alternative you suggest is realistic -- as if the missiles were aimed at your homes and public schools.
Derek, I grieve too ... not just for Israel but also for the Palestinians.
In my judgment, you've defined me out of the options by using the word "realistic." I'm not a political realist; I'm an anabaptist.
My pragmatic point: the realist options that have been used since the 60s have proven themselves inordinately unrealistic and unncessarily violent. The only solution, apart from embracing the way of Jesus, is for these two peoples (1) to commit to nonviolence and (2) sit at the table and compromise for peace.
As an individual it is easy to be an anabaptist rather than a political realist. As a nation or a national leader - is it really? For example - should Obama take a realist or an idealist approach to US defense? Where do we draw the line?
Personally I think that Bush drew the wrong line - but I don't think that radical nonviolence and pacifist idealism would have been the right line.
Israel is a complex situation - and I always have mixed feelings as I have many friends who are living, working, and raising families there.
Colin,
Israel targets neighborhoods because that's where Hamas stores/fires its missiles. If it is physically impossible to defend yourself without firing into neighborhoods, what do you do?
James,
Remember that Israel and Hamas/Fatah/Gaza signed a cease-fire which Hamas has ignored. The blockade will cease when the missiles cease.
Scot,
Unless you want the Israelis to just sit there and die, this will continue until the Palestinians get tired of watching their children die.
Scot:
Israel will commit for long periods of time to peace and militant Islamists will not.
Is non-violent resistance the only answer you can affirm?
It worked for MLK because there was a population with a conscience who eventually awoke.
It would not have worked in WWII and it would not work in Israel.
Derek
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