Through My Enemy’s Eyes


A new book, written by a Palestinian Christian and a Messianic Jew, explores the possibilities for reconciliation in Israel-Palestine.

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The book “Through My Enemy’s Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine” (Paternoster, 2014) by Salim Munayer and Lisa Loden “addresses the universal theological dimension of reconciliation in the context of the Israeli Messianic Jewish and Palestinian Christian divide. The struggle for reconciliation is painful and often extremely difficult for all of us. This unique work seeks to show a way forward”.

Salim Munayer, an Evangelical Christian, is on the faculty of Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, Palestine, and director of the Musalaha Ministry of Reconciliation in Jerusalem. Lisa Loden, a Messianic Jew, is on the faculty of the Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary in Nazareth, Israel, and Director of Advancing Professional Excellence in Israel. The two have produced a fascinating volume together.

The book begins with a chapter detailing the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is followed by a chapter that deals with the issues of history and narrative and seeking ways to bridge the gap when historical narratives developed by two groups are in conflict. A chapter then also treats the issue of writing history within the two communities – Israeli historiography and Palestinian historiography.

After this introduction to the conflict, the next four chapters look at two main issues: identity and the reading of Scripture. A chapter looking at Palestinian Christianity is followed by a chapter examining the development of Messianic Jewish identity. A chapter examining Palestinian readings of Scripture is followed by a chapter on Messianic Jewish reading of Scripture. A chapter is then devoted to defining the theological disagreements that have emerged with regard to key concepts: the Chosen People, the Land, covenant and justice.

A final chapter is consecrated to developing a theology of reconciliation.

All interested in Israel-Palestine and the life of disciples of Christ within the context of the ongoing conflict can benefit from reading this courageous volume. The creative and generous determination of its two authors to listen to one another, reflect together and share with us the fruit of their reflection is an important contribution to the search for justice and peace in the Holy Land.

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