I Am a Palestinian Christian: God and Politics in the Holy Land: A Personal Testimony

Thank you!

Good insights into the culture and the theology of the Hebrew Bible as it relates to the current situation in the Middle East. Many things U.S. and western European citizens need to hear and know that we don't get from the media.

Dr. Mitri Raheb does a masterful job of sharing his life as a Palestinian Christian pastor. With great insight, and compassion for his oppressors, his honest life story should be read by all Christians. It should also be read by all Israelis, many of whom are aware of the realities of life in Bethlehem, but some (looking at some of the other reviews of this book) are still in denial of what the occupation has done, both to the oppressed and the oppressors. I have known Mitri for nearly 20 years, and I know that what he writes is true. Many of the episodes he recounts I have witnessed myself. But no one who has not lived in Bethlehem can fully understand the pressures constantly placed on the people there. His great insight and vision have led an important Christian community through the darkness. This glimpse into what it means to be both Palestinian and Christian is an excellent gift to us all.

"I Am a Palestinian Christian," written by Mitri Raheb, describes life as a Palestinian Christian under Israeli rule. Raheb is not against the state of Israel (though he is against Israeli persecution of Palestinians) but seeks a Palestinian state as well. He challenges the West (especially Christians) to bring Palestinians aid and to not blindly support Israel's every action. Raheb as well gives biblical theology to why he believes the land of Israel is not promised to the Jewish people alone but to all people. His theology goes further in saying that persecution towards Palestinians is an act of injustice and that the church must prevent, instead of encourage, such acts. Raheb's book "I Am a Palestinian Christian" was written to inform Western Christians about the Palestinian Christian's reality. Raheb begins the book in an in-depth look at the hardships the Palestinian Christian endures daily and how these Christians respond to such hardships. Statistics are given in reference to the earliest Palestinian church and how it increased or decreased over the years. Church denominations within Palestine are as well given. Raheb finishes the first section listing the causes at which led to Palestinian Christian emigration and also describes the Palestinian's history which led to modern day Israeli politics. Next, Raheb describes his theology on why the land of Israel/Palestine was not elected for the Jewish people alone but for all people, including the Palestinians. Raheb's focus is on the fact that Jesus died for all people at which suggests that we are all equal under God. He describes God's care for the poor and oppressed and lastly makes a challenge to all believers in Christ to recognize and help their Palestinian brothers in need. To end the book, Raheb gives official documents stating the proposals Palestinians have made (ex. P.L.O.) for a state of their own. Also contained here are official statements written by Palestinian Christians regarding Palestinian oppression and motives. Mitri Raheb was very thorough in covering the purpose for which his book was written. He described well the history of Palestinian Christians and used in-depth theology to justify a Palestinians right to share Israeli land. Raheb as well used examples to help his case. I would use this book for personal testimonies of what it is like being a Palestinian under Israeli occupation and for statistics that refer to Palestinian oppression. I would not use this book for theological proof to why Palestinians deserve the land. I do believe Palestinians are entitled to the land as well as the Israelis; however Raheb's biblical reasoning is not accurate. This book should be read for the sole purpose of understanding the Palestinian Christian.

An amazing look at the life of a Christian in modern-day, war-torn Palestine. Touching and inspiring!

Upon reading I Am a Palestinian Christian by Mitri Raheb, I was enlightened to the presence and effective role of Christians in Bethlehem. Dr. Raheb addresses the plight of the Palestinians in light of the Palestinian Christian perspective, to the redress of the nation of Israel. His is not to attack Israel, but to examine the role of ancient Israel in the Bible as it relates to the policies and procedures of present day Israel. Dr. Raheb consistently argues for justice and righteous treatment of all God's people, Jew, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise and especially any who are/have been oppressed and treated unjustly.This is a must read for those interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian Christian voice is not often recognized outside Israel/Palestine, and therefore easily misunderstood. Read carefully and research other items, like The Forgotten Faithful by Said K. Aburish and The Arab Christian: A History in the Middle East by Kenneth Cragg, for more information.