ISRAEL UPDATEAugust 1, 2004 - To Mr. Clifton Kirkpatrick and the leadership of the Presbyterian Church USA: Although eloquent, your recent declarations concerning the Israeli / Palestinian relationship creates a serious cause for concern. . . First, you state that Christian Zionism is not consistent with Reformation theology. This is true, as it attempts to delineate the modern State of Israel and unfortunately, Church history shows that most Christian anti-Semitism has its roots in Reformation theology.
Second, we must realize that the U.N., the European Union, and the oil-rich Arab/Muslim nations have poured billions of dollars into Palestinian coffers to bolster terrorism. One cannot say after 11 years of unbridled Palestinian violence - crushing the tourism trade - that this security wall has been the cause of the poverty and hardship. Once again, your denomination has called for end to the “occupation,” but what occupation? Israel's land was gained after Arab aggression. What about the once sovereign Lebanon, now controlled by Syria for nearly three decades? Christian Zionism is not based on what you called “…interpretations of Scripture to under gird a certain reading of current events and to generate support for specific political goals that do not bolster work toward peace and potentially endanger Palestinian and Israeli people.”
Christian Zionism stands on one promise – the Scriptures, G-d's Word, is the final authority. Long before current events, the Creator of the Universe declared, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3
Although your written words may sound legitimate, they do not represent the facts on Israel accurately, nor do they portray pro Israel Christianity correctly. However, your declaration does justify doing the opposite of what G-d's word says. . . It is appealing for popular opinion, but it will only harm Israel and strengthen her enemies.
August 1, 2004 - Earlier this week, a man was overheard relating the story of how pop singer Linda Ronstadt had been booed the previous night during her concert for making supportive comments about the movie “Fahrenheit 911.”
Apparently, the following night there was a large group that would attend the concert and lend support to her political commentary.
One cannot help but wonder how many people - pro or con - in regards to the movie, and the war in Iraq with all its fallout, truly researched anything on their own regarding the war and all its implications. Judging by all the rhetoric, apparently not many… Anyone who would be swayed one way or the other by seeing a movie is obviously an individual not given to research on his or her own.
Then again, as a historically accurate machine, Hollywood is always found wanting. . . However, few if any, would ever dare to research that aspect, we just watch them because we paid our money. One reason there is so much confusion in our world today is that the opinions of athletes and entertainers have become the voice of conscience, as people listen foolishly.
Jesus told his followers, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13
It is sad to note that a movie like Fahrenheit 911 may be the yardstick with which to measure current events – for both conservative and liberal alike. Americans' inability as a whole to reason and research for themselves is creating a huge void in their collective conscience, thereby adding to the confusion that is already so prevalent.
To be continued . . .