BIRMINGHAM – The Christian faith stands against an implacable empire of complex networks–governments, militaries, multi-national corporations, media–and it must stand firm and strong, Chicago professor and Middle East specialist Donald Wagner told the National Middle East Presbyterian Caucus at its General Assembly dinner Sunday night.
The amalgam of secular political, economic, and social forces joined in mutual self-interest with Christian Zionism contributes especially to the deteriorating situation in Israel and Palestine, he said, citing his impressions from a recent trip to Israel and the West Bank. Christian Zionists portray Jesus as an imperial crusader, “180 degrees opposite the gospel of love for the poor,” he pointed out. He called on churches and caucus members not only to be bridges, but also to be prophets in this situation.
The stand of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) two years ago to begin a process of talks with certain American companies doing business in Israel possibly leading to divestment of some funds from investment in those companies “touched a nerve” in this empire. Such actions, such prophetic words and deeds are crucial in the Israel/Palestinian situation, he said, which is “the worst I have seen. It is time to use the word ‘apartheid.'” He challenged them to hold firm to their prophetic calling, to raise a prophetic voice against both anti-Semitism and rising Islamophobia; to work for the marginalized minorities, especially the “dying Christian Palestinian community. There will be nothing left … in a generation, “he predicted, unless action is taken.
But the call for prophetic speech and action does not include use of force, but firm, non-violent resistance.
American Christians must also be active in their own national/political arenas as they relate to peace and justice issues. He and some colleagues recently founded the “virtual”–as in no budget–Institute for the Study of Christian Zionism (www.Christianzionism.org.) He cited various advocacy groups and their efforts as worthy of participation by Christians taking seriously the need to be active in working for peace and justice. Investing in socially responsible companies is another such initiative.
He recalled Martin Luther King Jr.’s response to some of his own followers, who at one point told him to slow down and quiet down his efforts. “The time comes when silence becomes betrayal,” King responded.
The caucus began the evening presenting its The Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel Award was to Amal Halaby Marks, who served as associate for Middle Eastern Studies of the PC(USA) for 12 years and was instrumental in creation of the National Middle East Presbyterian Caucus (accepted in her absence by her sister.)
