This book, Christ in the Rubble, a religious commentary and analysis by Munther Isaac, a pastor, theologian, and biblical scholar, really makes you question if are on the right track as a Christian. The Christ story is one of survival under occupation, and resistance to corruption. Being a Christian, Being a Christian (not a typo, written twice for emphasis) should be about honoring the birth, life and death of Christ. Pastor Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian living in the West Bank and pastors at churches in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour. He writes giving a Palestinian and Christian perspective, one the outside world rarely hears. He describes what is happening to his people and asks – Where is the church?
He points out the shortcomings and lack of support of Palestinian Christians by the global church, its disappointing lack of courage. The church would rather stay away from controversy, and remain neutral – a cowardly approach, not the path of truth, or Jesus for that matter. Jesus was about taking action, speaking to power, helping the suffering and outcast despite the opposition and cost, and encouraged others to do the same.
The church remains neutral, he argues, when it comes to Palestinians, but publicly gives support to Israel and Zionism. It gives support to the status quo, the State. And it’s not like the global church, and politicians don’t know the argument of the other side. Pastor Isaac and his Christian colleagues from Palestine have been active since the war began. They’ve visited the White House, reached out religious leaders by letter, phone and in person, but the rhetoric and actions of politicians (most Western leaders are Christian and trumpet Judo-Christian values) and the global church hasn’t changed – they continue to support Israel and this war.
He talks about objectives of the West being in line with the traditional church. One main problem is the Western Christian ideology, which seems to be in line with imperialist ambitions of empire building. Religious ideology is used to justify killing in mass and land-grabbing, while declaring superiority and regarding their victims as non-historical-factors and inferior. The author points out that notable evangelical Christians express their support of Israel from a place of superiority and power, with a serious lack of compassion and empathy, contradictory to Christian teaching itself.
This is alarming and disappointing behavior from religious and political world leaders who continually stoke their Judo-Christian values. Pastor Isaac reminds us in his writing that “the church is the voice, hands, and feet of Jesus on earth. We are all called to continue his ministry on earth.” He argues that the credibility of this Christian witness is at stake when the church is silent and/or complicit in the face of genocide. Concerning the true meaning of Christmas, the author writes, “The Christmas story is a very Palestinian story! Its vocabulary is census, control, empire, occupation, Caesar, Herod, military, refugees, pain, exhaustion, and massacred children (not trees, lighting, or Santa).” I say here-here and Amen to that thought.
‘Where was I when Gaza was going through a genocide?’ This is the penetrating, telling question for humanity. The author contemplates the way forward. There can be no real peace without equality and equity for both and all people of Israel/Palestine. He remains hopeful – his people are resilient, and they believe God is good. They believe in justice. This book is filled with powerful, insightful, balanced and intelligent commentary, history and analysis. I believe any person, or any Christian with a conscience or camaraderie with humanity, interested in its future and well-being, should give this book, Christ in the Rubble by Munther Isaac, a read, especially during the Christmas season. Happy Holidays to all!