Christ Pantokrator, Ruler of All (Cefalu Cathedral, Italy)
When I opened this blog, here on Christmas morning, the first thing I saw was a couple of readers–one Christian, one Muslim–fighting over Israel vs. Palestine.
My first impulse was to try to make peace. Like maybe I’d succeed where everyone else in the world, including career diplomats who do it for a living, has failed.
I’d like to think we could discuss any issue here, as long as we conduct it decently; but that’s probably a pipe dream, too. People have emotions. That’s how it is. Israel vs. Palestine is a highly emotional issue for a lot of people. I doubt I can entertain that topic here and expect everyone to remain calm and civil. After all, there are many blogs that I don’t choose to visit–because I know I’d wind up saying, er, intemperate things.
As a Christian and an American, I am predisposed to favor Israel, an American ally with institutions similar to our own. There must never be another Holocaust. The Western world permitted the Holocaust to happen; it must not permit another one. God has not withdrawn His blessing from Abraham.
There will not be peace in this fallen world until God the Father in His sovereign might puts all things under Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of all. Until then, we muddle along as best we can. Occasionally we get something right. But not often.
So I have deleted the posts I’ve gotten on this subject today, and will delete any future messages on this subject. I don’t know how to referee this fight, and if I try, I might just make it worse. I’m sorry about doing this, but I think it’s for the best.