Podcasts about Bethlehem Bible College

Dr. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian pastor, theologian, author, and activist. He has an MA from Westminster Theological Seminary and a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. He pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and the author of several books including the recently released: Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Muther Isaac, Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice—a project of the Bethlehem Bible College—and Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope and his new book, Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza (available now). We'd love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa @lisasharper or to Freedom Road @freedomroad.us. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to freedomroad.substack.com. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think! www.threads.net/@lisasharper www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us freedomroad.substack.com

Welcome to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Madang Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renown authors, leaders, public figures and scholars on religion, culture and everything in-between. This has been a dream of mine for many years and now it is a reality. Please join me at Madang Podcast hosted by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christian Century⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠This is the 45th Episode with Dr. Munther Isaac on his book, Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza (Eerdmans, 2025). Dr. Isaac is a Palestinian Christiantheologian who serves as pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He served as the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and is now the Director of the BethlehemInstitute of Peace and Justice. He is the author of several books,  From Land to Lands, from Eden to the RenewedEarth, The Other Side of the Wall and Christ in the Rubble. Today, he is with us today to share his latest book, genocide, nakba, settler colonialism, theology of empire, theology of genocide and so much more.I am grateful to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠, Eerdmans and PANAAWTM ⁠⁠⁠for sponsoring this episode. Please join Homebrewed Christianity's online class, ⁠Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠. Please read some of the latest Eerdmans Books that are impacting the world. Please attend and support PANAAWTM.Please check out their websites for their work, and events and to donate. Please reach out to me if you would like to sponsor the next episode of Madang podcast. Or simply ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠support me on my ⁠substack.

Today's HeadlinesHigh court in Pakistan calls for investigation behind blasphemy case surgeWhat can the pros and cons of Lebanon's diversity teach Christians?Training Christian teachers in a conflict zone

We continue our series Christian Zionism, and here Daniel has a conversation with Palestinian theologian John Munayer about the impact of Christian Zionism on Palestinians themselves. John shares about his first encounters with Christian Zionism and how it has also infiltrated into the Palestinian society, particularly through some Palestinian Evangelical pastors and churches.  In their extended conversation for our Patreon supporters, John shares about his research on Holy Saturday and how he relates this religious practice to the social and political experience of Palestinians. To access this extended conversation and others, consider ⁠supporting us on Patreon⁠. John Munayer is a Palestinian theologian from Jerusalem. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Edinburgh and writing about Palestinian theology. John is also managing the academic journal of Palestinian Christianity at the Bethlehem Bible College, which publishes in both Arabic and English. In addition, John is involved in interreligious efforts to promote justice and reconciliation in the Holy Land. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: John Munayer and Samuel Munayer's article on “Decolonising Palestinian Liberation Theology: New Methods, Sources and Voices”

✨Special thanks to our sponsors: Palestine Drinks Shop: https://www.palestinedrinksshop.com/ | @palestinedrinks_shop on Instagram Visualizing Palestine: https://visualizingpalestine.org/ | @visualizing_palestine on Instagram In this episode, we are joined by Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian pastor, theologian, academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and author. Reverend Dr. Munther reflects on his personal journey growing up in Palestine during the Intifadas, the challenges of faith under occupation, and the role of the church in the Palestinian liberation struggle. He shares insights from his upcoming book, his impactful "Christ Under the Rubble" display during Christmas, his unwavering commitment to spread awareness on Gaza today, and the religious diversity in Palestine.

In this heartfelt Christmas edition of the Post Christian Podcast, host Eric Bryant rebroadcasts an interview with Dr. Salim Munayer, founder of Musalaha and former professor at Bethlehem Bible College. Salim shares his profound experiences working on reconciliation between Israeli Jews, Palestinians, and Christians. He details transformative desert retreats and community-building efforts that transcend deep-seated divisions through Christ's liberating love. Salim reveals the six stages of reconciliation and the surprising neuroscientific aspects of peacemaking. He emphasizes the importance of embodying the principles of unity and reconciliation, not just within Israel and Palestine, but in any polarized community, including churches facing internal divisions.

Today, our guest is Munther Isaac, Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College and pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. Munther's family have been shepherds in the same hills as the shepherds who heard from the angel of God that first Christmas. And although the world is fighting to dehumanize the Palestinian people and the people in Gaza, the words of the angel are still true. Jesus is good news for all people. Every human is made in the image of God and is worthy of love, dignity, and life. You know, when you are at a distance, it is easy to get caught up in the headlines and the latest violence. But we need to go deeper to see what is happening. And that's what we are doing today. Reverend Munther takes us back through the history, showing how this conflict has roots going back decades. It didn't just start with October 7th. Munther calls us to see the humanity in all the people caught up in this. He shares a haunting poem by a Palestinian professor killed in the violence - a man who wanted his death to bring hope, not vengeance. It's a powerful reminder that behind the headlines, there are real people, with dreams and fears just like our own. This is a conversation that won't let you look away. But it also opens up a new way of seeing - one rooted in the radical compassion of Jesus, who calls us to love even our enemies. This Advent, Christ is still in the rubble. He sees the children, the women, the men of Gaza and Palestine with love and compassion. Will we? Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian pastor, theologian, and writer, known for his role as the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and as the academic dean at Bethlehem Bible College. He is also the director of the Christ at the Checkpoint conferences and has been a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation in the region. His work often intertwines faith with the political realities of life in Palestine.Munther's Book:Christ in the RubbleJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

From December 23, 2023: "This Advent, while global Christians prepare to commemorate the arrival of the Prince of Peace, our Palestinian kin in Gaza suffer unthinkable violence. Their cries for deliverance, echoing those of two millennia ago, seem to be falling unheard in the United States. To see their pain and hear their cries, US Christians must move beyond information to transformation...from webinar to worship. Listen in on the live-streamed worship gathering guided by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and his team at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem on 23 December 2023. Central to this liturgy of lament is the prophetic message that if Jesus was born today, he would be born "under the rubble." [Co-organized by Global Immersion, Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, Bethlehem Bible College, Churches for Middle East Peace and Evangelicals for Justice; supported and sponsored by kindred organizations]"

“I think my hope is that by this time next year, we would have survived this. … The hope is to survive. … It's really hard to think beyond that.” “We need to repent from apathy. We need to fight this normalization of a genocide.” —Rev. Dr. Munther Issac, from the episode In the long history of conflict in the Middle East, both Jews and Palestinians have felt and continue to feel the existential threat of genocide. There remains so much to be spoken and heard about the experience of each side of this conflict. Today we're exploring a Palestinian perspective. Ministering in present-day Bethlehem, pastor, theologian, author, and advocate Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac joins Mark Labberton to reflect on the state of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, now a year following Isaac's bracing and sobering Christmas sermon, which was graphically represented in a sculptural manger scene of “Christ in the Rubble”—a crèche depicting the newborn Jesus amid the debris of Palestinian concrete, wood, and rebar. Together they discuss the experience, emotions, and response of Palestinians after fourteen months of war; the Christian responsibility to speak against injustice of all kinds as an act of faith; the contours of loving God, loving neighbours, and loving enemies in the Sermon on the Mount; what theology can bring comfort in the midst of suffering; just war theory versus the justice of God; the hope for survival; and the Advent hope that emerges from darkness. A Message from Mark Labberton Since October 7 of 2023, the world has been gripped by the affairs that have been unfolding in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine. And the world is eager, anxious, fearful, angry, and divided over these affairs. All of this is extremely complicated. And yet, as a friend said to me once about apartheid (I'm paraphrasing): It's not just that it's complicated (which it is), it's actually also very simple: that we refuse to live as Christian people. By that, he was not trying to form any sort of reductionism. He was simply trying to say, Are we willing to live our faith? Are we willing to live out the identity of the people of God in the context of places of great division and violence and evil? The Middle East is fraught historically with these debates, and certainly since the of the nation-state of Israel in 1947, there has been this ongoing anguish and understandable existential crisis that Jews have experienced both inside Israel and around the world because of the ongoing anti-Semitic hatred that seems to exist in so many places and over such a long, long period of time. Today we have the privilege of hearing from one of the most outstanding Christian voices, a Palestinian Christian pastor, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, who is the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. He is also academic dean of the Bethlehem Bible College and a director of the highly acclaimed and influential conference called Christ at the Checkpoint. Munther in this last year has been the voice of Christian pleading. Pleading for an end to the war, pleading for the end to violence, pleading for the end to all of the militarism that has decimated parts of Israel, but also, and even more profoundly, the decimation that has leveled approximately 70 percent of all Palestinian homes in Gaza. This kind of devastation, the loss of forty-five thousand lives and more in Palestine, has riveted the world's attention. And Munther has been a person who has consistently spoken out in places all around the United States and in various parts of the world, trying to call for an end to the war and for a practice of Christian identity that would seek to love our neighbours, as Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount, including sometimes also loving our enemies. The reason for the interview with Munther today is because of the one-year anniversary of Something that occurred in their church in Bethlehem, a crèche with a small baby lying in the Palestinian rubble. Seeing and understanding and looking at Christmas through the lens of that great collision between the bringer of peace, Jesus Christ, and the reality of war. In the meantime, we have a great chance to welcome a brother in Christ ministering with many suffering people in the Middle East, Jew and Gentile, and certainly Palestinian Christians. About Munther Isaac Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian. He now pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and is the director of the highly acclaimed and influential Christ at the Checkpoint conferences. Munther is passionate about issues related to Palestinian theology. He speaks locally and internationally and has published numerous articles on issues related to the theology of the land, Palestinian Christians and Palestinian theology, holistic mission, and reconciliation. His latest book, Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza (get your copy via Amazon or Eerdmans), will appear in March 2025. He is also the author of The Other Side of the Wall, From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth, An Introduction to Palestinian Theology (in Arabic), a commentary on the book of Daniel (in Arabic), and more recently he has published a book on women's ordination in the church, also in Arabic. He is involved in many reconciliation and interfaith forums. He is also a Kairos Palestine board member. Munther originally studied civil engineering in Birzeit University in Palestine. He then obtained a master in biblical studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and then a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Munther is married to Rudaina, an architect, and together they have two boys: Karam and Zaid. Follow him on X @muntherisaac. Show Notes The complexity of conflict in Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East “It's very simple: We refuse to live as Christian people.” Get your copy of Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza via Amazon or Eerdmans “Christ in the Rubble”—the one-year anniversary Munther Isaac's Christmas sermon, “Christ Under the Rubble” Video A Letter from all churches in Bethlehem: “No war” “ I can't believe how used we got to the idea of children being killed.” “We need to repent from apathy. We need to fight this normalization of a genocide that's taking place in front of the whole world to see.” Fourteen months of non-stop bombing “We're still feeling the anger.” ”We're still feeling the pain. We're still feeling the anger. And in a strange way, even more fearful of what is to come, given that it seems that to the world, Palestinians are less human.” “We couldn't go to church as normal.” “ It's our calling to continue as people of faith. To call for a change, and to call for things to be different in our world, even to call for accountability. And of course, I feel that my message should be first to the church, because I'm a Christian minister.  I don't like to lecture other religions about how they should respond. And I feel that the church could have done more.” Freedom to speak out: “You can't say these things in public.” Anti-Semitism and hatred toward Jews “ This kind of hatred and prejudice toward the Jews, which led to the horrors of the Holocaust, to me, it stems from the idea of ‘we're superior, we're better, we're entitled,' and blaming someone else. It comes from a position of righteousness and lack of humility. And certainly Jews have always been the victim of such hatred and blame.” “ At the same time, we as Palestinians cannot but wonder why is it us that we're paying the price for what happened on someone else's land? We're paying the price.” Loving God, loving neighbours, and loving enemies Jesus's politically charged environment Violence, just wWar theory, and “the justice of God” Using children as human shields for militants “ We cannot again bypass what Jesus was challenging us to do, even if it's not easy at all. It was Jesus who confirmed that loving God and loving neighbour summarizes everything. It wasn't like I came up with this novel thing, but I think we somehow found other ways to define what it means to be a Christian.” “What theology would bring comfort?” Matthew 25, judgment, and ministering to Jesus through “the least of these” “ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.' So he's clearly talking about victims of unjust structures, those who are thirsty for justice, those who are hungry.” Hopes for peace “I'm going to be very real, Mark. I think my hope is that by this time next year, we would have survived this.” “They estimate that 70 percent of the homes of two million people are destroyed.” Violence and destruction connected to a biblical argument about the legitimacy of Palestinian genocide The vulnerability of Israel and the vulnerability of Palestine “ And it's important to say these things. Because if we don't say them, then we … leave the task of imagination to those who are radical—to the extremists and exclusivists.” Munther Isaac's thoughts on the Zionist movement Advent reflections on the darkness at the centre, from which hope and life might emerge Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

In this final episode of season six, Nikki talks with Tony Deik. Tony is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. He is on faculty at Bethlehem Bible College, and currently resides in Bolivia with his family. Tony talks about the centrality of justice in the Christian scriptures, and how Christians might begin to understand justice as an act of worship and witness. They also discuss Christian Zionism, and how theologies have the potential to actualize either oppressive or just realities. Catch us in early 2025 for our upcoming season.You can learn more about Tony and his work here.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited & Produced by: David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

Today's HeadlinesLebanese Christians hopeful for ceasefireHow to build bridges, not battlegrounds, this holiday seasonDr. Bishara Awad honored for legacy at Bethlehem Bible College

Online talk given 14th November 2024   Jonathan Kuttab is a co-founder of the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq and co-founder of Nonviolence International. A well-known international human rights lawyer, Jonathan practices in the US, Palestine and Israel. He serves on the Board of Bethlehem Bible College and is President of the Board of Holy Land Trust. Jonathan was the head of the Legal Committee negotiating the Cairo Agreement of 1994 between Israel and the PLO. After graduating with his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from Virginia Law School, and practising a couple years on Wall Street, Jonathan returned home to Palestine. Jonathan was visiting scholar at Osgoode Law School at York University in Toronto in the Fall of 2017, and is a founding director of Just Peace Advocates Mouvement pour une Paix Juste, a Canadian based international law human rights not-for-profit organisation. Jonathan is currently the executive director of Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA). Jonathan is a resident of East Jerusalem, and is a partner of Kuttab, Khoury and Hanna Law Firm in East Jerusalem.

Today's HeadlinesU.S. flights to Haiti suspended after Monday shooting, aid deliveries limitedBethlehem Bible College empowers next generation of Christian leaders in war zoneOnce in fear, a girl in Lebanon shares God's love

Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian. He now pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and is the director of the highly acclaimed and influential Christ at the Checkpoint conferences.  He speaks locally and internationally and has published numerous articles on issues related to the theology of the land, Palestinian Christians and Palestinian theology, holistic mission and reconciliation. He is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope and the forthcoming Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza which will release in March of 2025. Munther originally studied civil engineering in Birzeit University in Palestine. He then obtained a Master in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and then a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. During our conversation, we discuss his childhood and family, why he chose pastoring over engineering, how they get through each and every horrific day in Palestine, what Americans should be doing right now to continue fighting for a Free Palestine, and so much more. ✅ Follow Munther on Instagram and Twitter. ✅ Preorder his new book coming out in March. --- ✊

In this episode, Mimi Haddad and Kim Dickson interview Dr. Salim Munayer about his work on reconciliation in the Holy Lands. During the first half of the interview, he describes the steps involved in difficult reconciliations. In the second half of the interview, he discusses Jesus's counter-cultural inclusion of women and their necessary inclusion in creating a lasting peace in the world.    Guest Bio  Salim J. Munayer is executive director and founder of Musalaha Ministry of Reconciliation, which has been bringing Israelis and Palestinian together since 1990 and creating a forum for reconciliation. Salim is a Palestinian-Israeli born in Lod as one of six children and received his BA from Tel Aviv University in History and Geography, his MA from Fuller Theological Seminary, graduate studies in New Testament from Pepperdine University and his PhD from the Oxford Center of Mission Studies in the UK. His doctoral dissertation was written on “The Ethnic Identity of Palestinian Arab Christian Adolescents in Israel.” He has published several books on reconciliation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Christians in Israel and the Palestinian authority, his most recent work is Through My Enemy's Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine, co-authored with Lisa Loden. Salim served as academic dean of the Bethlehem Bible College from 1989 to 2008 and is a professor at the college. He is also an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Salim is married to Kay, founder of the Daylight Project, a charity that advocates for social justice among the marginalized in Palestinian and Israeli society. She is also a contributing writer on Another's Voice, a blog by women providing hopeful perspectives in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Together they have four adult sons, Jack, Daniel, John, and Sam.    Other Resources  Dr. Salim Munayer began Musalaha: A Vision of Reconciliation  Erica Chenoweth was referenced in this interview. Foreign Policy has recognized Chenoweth as one of the top scholars addressing nonviolent resistance and wrote: Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict.   To learn more about Christianity in the Holy Lands listen to the Mutuality Matters Global Impact Interview with Grace Al-Zoughbi  Like Dr. Munayer describing seeing his own struggles in scripture, read Grace Al-Zoughbi's Mutuality article: God's Surprising Hesed: Reading Ruth as a Palestinian Woman    Disclaimer   The opinions expressed in CBE's Mutuality Matters' podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  

Watch Tony's Presentation at CATC2024 Tony Deik is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. For the last thirteen years, he has lived and ministered in different contexts, including in the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, Palestine, and Bolivia. Tony is a member of the Networking Team and Board of Directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College, Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, and a member of the organizing committee of Christ at the Checkpoint. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen, researching biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice. Formerly, Tony directed the online education program at Bethlehem Bible College, served with Operation Mobilization onboard MV Logos Hope, and worked for the Centro de Capacitación Misionera in La Paz, Bolivia. In a previous career in computer science, he worked on large-scale research projects in semantic web and e-government interoperability for Birzeit University and the Palestinian government. In addition to his publications in computer science, he contributed to several edited volumes in theology and biblical studies, including Reading Ecclesiastes from Asia and Pasifika (SBL Press, 2020), The Religious Other (Carlisle: Langham, 2020), and Between Religion and Politics (Dar Manhal al Hayat, 2022 [Arabic]). [https://christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/speakers-2/] Help sustain the work of RLC: www.redletterchristians.org/donate/ To check out what RLC is up to, please visit us www.redletterchristians.org  Follow us on Twitter: @RedLetterXians Instagram: @RedLetterXians Follow Shane on Instagram: @shane.claiborne Twitter: @ShaneClaiborne Intro song by Common Hymnal: https://commonhymnal.com/     

In this episode of Walk with Him Christian News for August 30, 2024, we dive into the most pressing stories affecting Christians worldwide. Discover the growing global demand for leaders who uphold religious freedom, the rising hostility towards Christians in India, and the powerful answers to evangelical prayers for Israel's safety. We also cover critical updates from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, efforts by Bethlehem Bible College to address unemployment in Palestine, and the rise of kid-friendly devotionals for anxious families. Tune in for the latest on Christian nationalism, the Taliban's new restrictions on women, a campus revival at Ohio State University, and recent troubling developments in Pakistan and the U.S. This episode provides vital insights into the challenges and victories faced by believers today. Don't miss it! #ChristianNews #ReligiousFreedom #ChristianPersecution #India #IsraelSafety #RussiaUkraineConflict #BethlehemBibleCollege #JobCreation #KidFriendlyDevotionals #ChristianNationalism #TalibanRestrictions #OhioStateRevival #Pakistan #AbortionPills #BlasphemyCase Sources: https://www.christiantoday.com/article/study.citizens.around.the.globe.want.leaders.who.stand.up.for.religious.believers/142101.htm https://www.christiantoday.com/article/growing.hostility.towards.christians.in.india/142104.htm https://www.christiantoday.com/article/god.is.dramatically.answering.evangelical.prayers.for.israels.safety/142102.htm https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kursk-remains-a-critical-russia-ukraine-battleground/ https://www.mnnonline.org/news/bethlehem-bible-college-supports-jobs-for-palestinians-amid-rising-unemployment/ https://www.mnnonline.org/news/kid-friendly-devotionals-offer-solace-for-anxious-families/ https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-nationalism-label-emerges-from-intimidation-panel.html https://www.christianpost.com/news/taliban-bans-women-from-speaking-showing-bare-faces-in-public.html https://www.christianpost.com/news/hundreds-gather-at-ohio-state-campus-for-revival-dozens-baptized.html https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-girl-forcibly-converted-by-muslim-man-who-kidnapped-her.html https://www.christianpost.com/news/abortions-on-the-rise-since-roe-reversal-thanks-to-abortion-pills.html https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-man-sentenced-to-death-over-tiktok-video-sparks-outcry.html --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkwithhim/support

Today's HeadlinesKursk remains a critical Russia-Ukraine battlegroundBethlehem Bible College supports jobs for Palestinians amid staggering unemploymentKid-friendly devotionals offer solace for anxious families

Tony Deik is a member of the Networking Team and Board of Directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, Lecturer in Biblical Studies for Bethlehem Bible College, and Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. He is a PhD candidate in New Testament studies at the University of Aberdeen and Trinity College, Bristol. His dissertation explores biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice. A Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Tony has lived and ministered in several different contexts over the last thirteen years, including in the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, Palestine, and Bolivia. In this podcast conversation, Tony and I catch up on our new relationship that was formed back in December 2023 and discuss the situation in Israel-Palestine in a free flowing manner. We cover many topics related to this highly controversial situation including whether zionism is intrisically racist, what's the Christian repsonse to zionism, some facts on the ground regarding Oct 7th (mass rape allegations and the Hannibal directive), why it matters, and many other debated things. Haaretz article on the Hannibal Directive: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-07/ty-article-magazine/.premium/idf-ordered-hannibal-directive-on-october-7-to-prevent-hamas-taking-soldiers-captive/00000190-89a2-d776-a3b1-fdbe45520000 The second UN report on sexual assualt on Oct 7th: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/13/world/middleeast/gaza-war-crimes-israel-hamas.html Register for the Austin conference on sexualtiy (Sept 17-18) here: https://www.centerforfaith.com/programs/leadership-forums/faith-sexuality-and-gender-conference-live-in-austin-or-stream-online Register for the Exiles 2 day conference in Denver (Oct 4-5) here: https://theologyintheraw.com/exiles-denver/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode in our Christ at the Checkpoint Series features Shireen Awwad Hilal, Palestinian Christian community developer and peace activist. At CATC she gave a presentation titled “Witness for Justice in Action [in Genocide]." In this episode, clips from her presentation are interwoven with her conversation with Abeer about the challenges of confronting historical truths and how these truths are often contested, even within the global faith community. Shireen shares deeply personal stories from Gaza, reflecting on how witnessing these events has further shaped her advocacy. Shireen is the Director of community and Development at the Bethlehem Bible College and also an instructor at the College. Shireen is also a peace activist, a woman group leader and consultant for many years. We also provide an extended interview from this conversation for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at ⁠Patreon⁠ for extra content and perks. Follow Across the Divide on YouTube and Instagram ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes Shepherd Society Bethlehem Bible College Shireen's reflection on meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis

Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), A Christian Voice for Palestine, presents Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac: "Empty calls for peace without a ceasefire and end to the occupation, and the shallow words of empathy without direct action, are all under the banner of complicity." Rev. Munther Isaac is on an eight-city speaking tour sponsored by FOSNA. This talk is his address at the Claremont Presbyterian Church in Claremont, CA on August 8, 2024. Rev. Munther addresses the silence of many U.S. churches in the face of genocide and Christian Zionism's support of apartheid in the West Bank and Gaza. Rev. Munther Isaac is a Palestinian pastor and theologian. He now serves the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and director of the highly acclaimed and influential "Christ at the Checkpoint" conferences. During the genocide in Gaza, Munther gained global attention for his sermon, "Christ under the Rubble," which was heard by tens of millions of people and subsequently quoted in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. He has appeared on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, MSNBC, CBS, TRT, and Democracy Now! Munther is passionate about issues related to Palestinian theology. He speaks locally and internationally and has published numerous articles on the theology of the land, Palestinian Christians, holistic mission, and reconciliation. He is the author of "The Other Side of the Wall," "From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth," "An Introduction to Palestinian Theology" (in Arabic), a commentary on the book of Daniel (in Arabic), and more recently a book on women's ordination, also in Arabic. He is a Kairos Palestine board member involved in many reconciliation and interfaith forums. Munther originally studied civil engineering at Birzeit University in Palestine. He then obtained a Master in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.

The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac (⁠Christmas Lutheran Church⁠; ⁠Bethlehem Bible College⁠) recently stopped in Atlanta on a short speaking tour of the US. In part two, we share the Q&A portion of the event.

We're excited to bring you this special series of 7 episodes that features talks and in-depth interviews with international and Palestinian theologians and speakers who spoke at the renown "Christ at the Checkpoint" conference, which was held at Bethlehem Bible College this past May. We will also be providing extended interviews with the speakers that will only be available to our Patreon members. Please consider supporting and sustaining our work by becoming one of our patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide The theme of this year's conference was “Christian Witness in Contexts of Oppression” and focused on Christian response and responsibility to genocide in Gaza. "Christ at the Checkpoint" is an open invitation to Christians all over the world, but especially in the West, to meet and be in dialogue with Palestinian Christians, unlearn destructive theologies of Christian Zionism, and explore pathways for solidarity with the Palestinian people. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossthedivide/message

The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac (Christmas Lutheran Church; Bethlehem Bible College) recently stopped in Atlanta on a short speaking tour of the US.

What role do Arab women play in shaping the future of theological education? Dr. Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen, a leading Arab Theologian, shares her inspiring journey of how growing up in Palestine shaped her faith and explores how theological education empowers Arab women and fosters a more holistic theological foundation for the global church. Key Takeaways: The importance of empowering women through theological education and the challenges Arab women encounter within this field. The importance of integrating women's voices and perspectives into theological discussions, fostering a more inclusive approach. Practical steps for empowering women in theological contexts and broader society Key takeaways from Dr. Arteen's doctoral research on the experiences of Arab women in theological education. The vital role of the Middle Eastern church in the global Christian community. If you enjoyed today's episode please take a moment subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast & leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform to help others discover this content. For more information about Lausanne go to our website at www.lausanne.org Guest Bio: Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen is a Palestinian Christian theological educator, born and raised in Bethlehem. Grace holds a BA in biblical studies from Bethlehem Bible College (2009), an MA in theology from the London School of Theology (2011), and a PhD in theology from the London School of theology (2023). Her doctoral research focused on Arab women in theological education as a contribution to ecclesial understanding of Christianity in the Middle East. Grace served as a lecturer and led the Biblical Studies department at Bethlehem Bible College from 2011 to 2018. Passionate about theological education, Grace is a pivotal leader in the Middle East and is active in regional theological schools and programs. She currently serves with ECTE and MENATE and teaches online at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. She has published several articles and chapters related to the participation of Arab women in theological education, and on Middle Eastern Christianity. Grace is married to Rev Michael Arteen and together they seek to serve God's kingdom in various capacities. We'd love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!

Today's Headlines ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders draw criticism Scripture stories offer hope to women targeted by Iranian government “Do Justice, Love Mercy” at Bethlehem Bible College conference

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu used biblical references in the early days of Israel's armed response to the October 7th massacre, carried out by Hamas. The covenant of Hamas repeatedly uses Islamist rhetoric in its declaration of purpose and intent. But what does scripture and doctrine actually teach about resorting to armed conflict? When is the use of a religious justification legitimate?Aleem Maqbool and guests explore the intersection of religion, politics and international law when it comes to justifying the use of violence or military action in conflict. With Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer, a Jewish lawyer and educator who lives in Jerusalem, who is the head of the Haredi division of the Tikvah Fund, a charity dedicated to promoting Jewish thoughts and ideas; Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan, an Islamic scholar and Imam with a background in researching extremism; and Mary-Ellen O'Connell, Professor of Law and International Peace Studies at the Catholic Notre-Dame University in the US, and author of ‘Self-Defence Against Non-State Actors'.With additional contributions from Rabbi Yakov Nagen, author and leader in interfaith dialogue between Judaism and Islam; and Rev Dr Muther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College. Producer: Rebecca Maxted Assistant Producer: Peter Everett, Ruth Purser Editors: Tim Pemberton and Dan Tierney

Will there ever be reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis? In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, we explore the seemingly impossible task of reconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians with Professor Salim Munayer. Professor Munayer, a Palestinian Christian, founded Musalaha in 1990—an organisation promoting, teaching, and facilitating reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. From decades of experience, Professor Munayer shares: The Challenges and Vision of the Ministry of Reconciliation The Process of Reconciliation: Sharing Practical Steps toward Breaking Down Barriers Personal Stories of Transformation Through Reconciliation The Power of Nonviolent Resistance and Grassroots Movements He also discusses the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring: The Historical Context and Current Challenges Addressing Global Misconceptions Spaces for Hope in the Midst of Conflict A Call for Reflection, Repentance, and Action This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to: Understand the challenges and rewards of reconciliation efforts. Discover how faith can be a powerful tool for peace building. Learn practical steps to promote peace in their own communities.   Join us for a compelling journey into the heart of reconciliation.   Links:  Website: https://musalaha.org/   Dr. Salim Munayer's Bio: Dr. Salim J. Munayer is the Regional Hub Coordinator of the Middle East and North Africa region for the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). Born to a Palestinian Christian family in the city of Lydda, Dr. Munayer interacted with the different Jewish, Christian and Muslim populations from a very young age. Following his diverse childhood and academic studies in theology, he founded Musalaha (‘reconciliation' in Arabic) in 1990—an organisation promoting, teaching, and facilitating reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Dr. Munayer continues to serve as director for more than 30 years and also works as an adjunct Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, at Pepperdine University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Bethlehem Bible College.  Dr Munayer has a wealth of practical and academic expertise in reconciliation, peace, contextual theology, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and interreligious dialogue. Over his 30 years of work in the field, he has trained thousands of Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in reconciliation.

This episode comes to you in partnership with Inverse Podcast. The diverse InVerse podcast community explores how the Scriptures can turn the world upside down, or be weaponized to uphold the status quo. So, this episode we're going to talk the “T” word—theology. Theology is simply how we understand God and our relationship with God. Christian social ethics teaches that our understanding of God forms the basis for everything we do in the world. It impacts everything. This will we be a very special deep dive into the theo-ethical questions rising in the context of the genocide in Gaza. We will talk with three leading Palestinian Christian theologians as they approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the context of genocide. Rev. Dr Mitri Raheb is Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. The most widely published Palestinian theologian to date, Dr. Raheb is the author and editor of 50 books including: Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, The Bible; In the Eye of the Storm: Middle Eastern Christians in an Age of Empire and Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes—among many, many others. Rev. Dr. Muther Isaac is Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope. Omar Haramy, is an Arab, Palestinian, Jerusalemite, Christian, and Greek Orthodox. Since 2017, Omar has served as the director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. Sabeel is a Palestinian ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement that deepens the faith of Palestinian Christians, promotes unity among them, and guides them to engage for justice and peace. Omar also serves on the Kairos Palestine steering committee. Our Inverse Podcast cohost today will be Jarrod McKenna, a peace award winning Australian pastor and social change educator who has been described by American Civil Rights legend Rev. Jim Lawson as “an expert in nonviolent social change”. Jarrod is the Founding Director of “Common Grace” that represents over 65,000 Christians in Australia pursuing “Jesus and justice” and serves with Lisa as one of the co-founders of the global GazaCeasefirePilgrimage.com movement that is now found on every continent, including Antarctica, in over 150 cities around the world. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa @lisasharper or to Freedom Road @freedomroad.us. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to freedomroad.substack.com. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think! www.threads.net/@lisasharper www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us freedomroad.substack.com www.inversebible.org/podcasts www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com/

This episode comes to you in partnership with The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the spirit of the Historic Black Church, which has begun to rise up and call for a ceasefire in Gaza, St. Thomas's 17th rector, The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw and his team decided to focus the church's Lenten season on understanding what's going on in Gaza and why it matters for our faith. So, a portion of this episode has been listened to by the St. Thomas's Community! Last episode we spoke with historian Dr. Rashid Khalidi to help us understand “What's going on?” This episode we spoke with Lisa's friend and brother, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College. You may have seen the video of Dr. Isaac's viral Christmas Eve sermon. If not, after listening to this conversation, the next thing you do must be to listen to that sermon. It as a theological plea to the global church to intervene in the ongoing genocide of Dr. Isaac's people—the Palestinian people. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa @lisasharper or to Freedom Road @freedomroad.us. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to freedomroad.substack.com. And keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think! www.threads.net/@lisasharper www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us freedomroad.substack.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md_hw_A-oIs www.ivpress.com/the-other-side-of-the-wall www.aecst.org/

In this episode, Daniel and Jen have a conversation with Anton Deik, a Palestinian Bible scholar, about the biblical understanding of justice and its relationship to mission and evangelism. Anton challenges the prevailing understanding among some Christians that social and political issues are not part of the gospel, and provides a compelling biblical case for the interconnectedness of justice with faith and spirituality, particularly through the ministry of Christ and the Great Commission.  Anton Deik is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, and is a member of the networking team and board of directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, lecturer in Biblical Studies with Bethlehem Bible College, and research associate with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence in the United Kingdom. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen where he researches biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossthedivide/message

Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian. He pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour and serves as the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and is the director of the highly acclaimed and influential Christ at the Checkpoint conferences. Munther is the author of “The Other Side of the Wall”, “From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth”, “An Introduction to Palestinian Theology” (in Arabic), a commentary on the book of Daniel (in Arabic), and more recently has published a book on women ordination in the church, also in Arabic. Munther originally studied civil engineering in Birzeit University in Palestine. He then obtained a Master in Biblical Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and then a PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.  Sign the petition to advocate for a ceasefire:  https://www.change.org/p/an-open-letter-from-palestinian-christians-to-western-church-leaders-and-theologians?recruiter=1319605589&recruited_by_id=a6f6fd10-6e69-11ee-abdf-5b152ac3937c&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink  Contribute financially to relief for Palestinians in Gaza:  https://shepherd-society.org  For ongoing, honest, and well-researched updates on the situation in Israel-Palestine, follow the Scott Horton Show and the podcast “Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp.”   Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw

Edward Stourton presents a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday, featuring live carols from Manchester Chamber Choir.On Christmas Eve in 1223, in cave near the cliffside village of Greccio in Italy, St Francis of Assisi created what's thought to be the first nativity scene. It was staged for the local villagers and it was a 'living scene' featuring people and animals. Colm Flynn reports from Greccio, and the art historian Dr Geri Parlby explores the nativity scene's fascinating story and enduring appeal.There will be no Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem this year. Shaimaa Khalil reports from the birthplace of Jesus. Rev Dr Munther Isaac, Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, has created a nativity scene in his church directly inspired by the suffering endured as a result of the Israel-Gaza conflict. He reflects on it with Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner.Carol singing is another much-loved tradition at this time of year. But how many of us have really thought about where our favourite carols come from? The composer and conductor Andrew Gant traces the weird and wonderful history of our carol tradition in his book "Deck The Hall". He says, “it can be a bit like trying to sweep up all the stray pine needles when you've taken down your Christmas tree: there's always a corner you find you haven't reached.”Producers: Dan Tierney and Alexa Good Editor: Helen Grady.

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by The Seeds of De(con)struction by Nat Turney. Published by Quoir and available now.In this episode we chat with Felicia Murrell & Mercy AikenFelicia is an ordained pastor with River Fellowship and presently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Doug. Together they have served in church leadership and ministerial roles for almost 20 years. Currently, they oversee Wise Counsel Ministries bringing transformation to both people and organizations. Felicia's greatest joy is loving people. With a heart to equip and empower others, her passion is to bring others into a revelation of sonship where they learn to walk as Jesus walked through the experience of Father God continuously loving them. She and Doug have 4 adult children.You can follow Felicia on:Facebook     Instagram     You can purchase Truth Encounter on Amazon.comMercy Aiken made Israel and Palestine lived intermittently in Bethlehem, Palestine, from September 2015 to the summer of 2020. Prior to this, she worked many years as a writer and leader in various web-based ministries and leadership in local churches. She is involved with Bethlehem Bible College and the biannual Christ at the Checkpoint conference held in Bethlehem which challenges evangelicals to consider the perspective and experience of Palestinian Christians. She is also committed to relationship and bridge-building work with Muslims and Jews. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree through St. Stephen's University and is the author of a soon-to-be-released book about Dr. Bishara Awad, the founder of Bethlehem Bible College, tentatively entitled "Fire in Bethlehem."You can follow Mercy on:Facebook     Instagram     You can purchase Yet In The Dark Streets Shining on Amazon.comYou can connect with This Is Not Church on:Facebook     Instagram      Twitter     TikTok     YouTubeAlso check out our Linktree for all things This Is Not Church relatedPlease like and follow our Quoircast Partners:Heretic Happy Hour     Messy Spirituality     Apostates Anonymous    Second Cup with Keith     The Church Needs TherapyIdeas Digest     The New Evangelicals     Snarky Faith Podcast     Wild Olive     Deadly FaithJonathan Foster     Sacred Thoughts     Holy Heretics     Reframing Our StoriesEach episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you're thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Season 4, episode 22Two peoples, Jews and Palestinian Arabs, lay claim to the same piece of land. But who does it really belong to? Scripture, history, and contemporary politics add to the volatile conflict in the Middle East. Today we're joined by Rev. Colin Chapman, author of Whose Promised Land, to address the current, continuing conflict in the Middle East.Rev. Colin Chapman was born in India and brought up in Scotland. He was ordained in the Episcopal Church in Scotland and has taught at Coptic Evangelical Seminary, and served on staff at the Anglican Cathedral, in Cairo, Egypt. In the mid-70s, early 80s – Colin was the Regional Secretary for the Middle East with IFES (the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students) based in Beirut, Lebanon. He taught at Trinity College in Bristol, and taught Islamic Studies at Near East School of Theology, in Beirut, Lebanon. Since retirement, Colin has also taught at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut, and Bethlehem Bible College. Resources:https://bookstore.vineyardcolumbus.org/reads/p/whose-promised-land-the-continuing-conflict-over-israel-and-palestinehttps://www.amazon.com/Christian-Zionism-Restoration-Israel-Scriptures/dp/1725297337https://www.holylandtrust.org/aboutBooks of the Bible for meditation during times of violence:Lamentations; Habakkuk; Daniel

Over the course of history, narratives have been woven about diverse people and communities, some uplifting and others divisive. It is often far too simple to categorize individuals without delving into their multifaceted identities, their rich histories, their vibrant cultures, and their deep connections to the land they call home. Discover the extraordinary story of Bishara Awad and his family, a Palestinian Christian rooted in the heart of Bethlehem. Through their resilience, they've not only created Bethlehem Bible College but also nurtured pastors, educators, and peacemakers in a land fraught with conflict. Theirs is a story that transcends borders and boundaries, a narrative that underscores the unwavering strength of unity and the beauty of a culture that thrives amid adversity. In "Yet In The Dark Streets Shining," we're invited to see the world differently. It challenges us to recognize the divinity within every human being, urging us to embrace our shared humanity. This story is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding in a time when peace is needed more than ever. It's a call to appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures and the potential for harmony in our collective human experience. This is part one of two in this podcast series. https://a.co/d/hsTEXFHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of history, narratives have been woven about diverse people and communities, some uplifting and others divisive. It is often far too simple to categorize individuals without delving into their multifaceted identities, their rich histories, their vibrant cultures, and their deep connections to the land they call home.Discover the extraordinary story of Bishara Awad and his family, a Palestinian Christian rooted in the heart of Bethlehem. Through their resilience, they've not only created Bethlehem Bible College but also nurtured pastors, educators, and peacemakers in a land fraught with conflict. Theirs is a story that transcends borders and boundaries, a narrative that underscores the unwavering strength of unity and the beauty of a culture that thrives amid adversity.In "Yet In The Dark Streets Shining," we're invited to see the world differently. It challenges us to recognize the divinity within every human being, urging us to embrace our shared humanity. This story is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding in a time when peace is needed more than ever. It's a call to appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures and the potential for harmony in our collective human experience.This is part one of two in this podcast series.https://a.co/d/hsTEXFH

In this episode we talk with Yousef AlKhouri, a Palestinian Christian from Gaza. Yousef is a theologian and a lecturer of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College, and is currently working on his doctorate in contextual biblical interpretation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In this conversation, we unpack the historical context of Hamas and Gaza to help us better understand what is happening in Gaza and Palestine/Israel right now. We also explore what resources Christian theology offers us to think about the immense violence of this war and the ongoing occupation of Palestine. You can support Across the Divide Podcast with a monthly or one-time donation at ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast Show Notes: “Israel-Gaza war in maps and charts: Live Tracker,” Al Jazeera “Starvation as weapon of war being used against Gaza civilians - Oxfam”  “Damning evidence of war crimes as Israeli attacks wipe out entire families in Gaza,” Amnesty International “Human rights investigators raise new questions on Gaza hospital explosion,” Channel 4 “A Close Look at Some Key Evidence in the Gaza Hospital Blast,” New York Times --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossthedivide/message

Daniel Bannoura is a Palestinian Christian who grew up in the West Bank and taught at Bethlehem Bible College. Now a PhD candidate at Notre Dame, Daniel joins Michael to discuss the Israel-Hamas War, the wider Palestinian-Israel conflict, and his Palestinian Christian roots. There's so much context and history to learn here. A very illuminating interview during this critical time. To get the most out of this episode, check out all these RESOURCES on the subject: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ec98509ea936a6584b3cecb/t/653c07a34ffa986c65bc9d0b/1698432933843/Palestine-Israel+Resources.pdf Also read this important document: An Open Letter from Palestinian Christians to Western Church Leaders found here: https://www.change.org/p/an-open-letter-from-palestinian-christians-to-western-church-leaders-and-theologians Daniel is starting a podcast soon that we will post here when it becomes available. Michael's book, Breaking Bad Faith, available on Amazon. More Episodes #palestinian #israelpalestineconflict #hamasattack #gazaunderattack

A message from Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, from Romans 10:13-17 to kick off our 2023 MissionsFest, "Sent."

A message from Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, from Romans 10:13-17 to kick off our 2023 MissionsFest, "Sent."

On today's episode, Rob and Vinnie interview Nelso Kraybill, the author of Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the book of Revelation. We discuss the book of Revelation and John's use of images and what it means for the church today.   Nelson Kraybill is an ordained minister who served as President of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Indiana (1997–2009) and President of Mennonite World Conference (2015–22). He was scholar-in-residence at Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine (2022–23) where his work included recording ten short films on peace themes related to biblical sites. Nelson received an M.Div degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D in Biblical Studies from Union Presbyterian Seminary. He was co-founder of Bridge Builders Mediation Service in Britain, and his publications range from the feature articles in Christianity Today (1999) to his book Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Brazos Press, 2010). He has recently published a new book Stuck Together: The Hope of Christian Witness in a Polarized World (Herald Press, 2023). His blog www.peace-pilgrim.com features popular-level articles on biblical sites, and he has led study tours to Bible lands since 2008.   Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast. Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!   Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.     Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load. Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara is the President of Bethlehem Bible College. I met Jack on what was my 8th (?) trip to the Holy Land, but only my first trip to Palestine. If you think about it (and we mention it a bit in the episode), that fact alone is pretty remarkable. That someone could … Continue reading Episode 200 – Jack Sara

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie interview Palestinian Christian Tony Deik.  (NOTE: We apologize that Tony's audio is not the best. This is one of the hazards of interviewing persons from across the miles).  Tony is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. For the last decade, he has lived and ministered in different contexts, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, England, Palestine, and Bolivia. Tony is currently a residential researcher at Tyndale House, Cambridge, where he is working on his PhD research in the New Testament. He is also a lecturer in biblical studies at Bethlehem Bible College (online), and a member of the leadership team of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation (INFEMIT). Previously, Tony directed the online education program at Bethlehem Bible College, served with Operation Mobilization onboard MV Logos Hope, and was involved in the work of Centro de Capacitación Misionera in La Paz, Bolivia. He has contributed to several edited volumes in theology and biblical studies including Reading Ecclesiastes from Asia and Pasifika (Atlanta: SBL Press, 2020), The Religious Other: A Biblical Understanding of Islam, the Qur'an and Muhammad (Carlisle: Langham, 2020), and Between Religion and Politics: A Christian Perspective on Political Questions from the Middle East (Beirut: Dar Manhal al Hayat, 2022 [Arabic]). Tony is married to Sara, a Bolivian, and they are the proud parents of Nour Sofia.   Tony relates to us the hardships that he and his family have faced. Once he married Sara (a Bolivian), he and Sara were forced to reside outside of Bethlehem. This is because Sara is not allowed by the Israeli military (they are the occupying forces and maintain a large amount of control over the Palestinian territories) to live permanently in Bethlehem with Tony.  Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast. Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!   Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.   Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.     Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.   If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob's determinetruth site.   If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.  

Here's my riveting interview with Dr. Jack Sara of Bethlehem Bible College about the plight of the Palestinian people under occupation in Israel.  The introduction video is courtesy of OnePath Network (@OnePathNetwork).

In this episode I speak with Yousef Khoury, which translates to Joseph the priest, a Christian Palestinian originally from Gaza, who now lives in Bethlehem. He is the 43rd generation in his family of which 36 generations were priests in the Orthodox priesthood. He studied biblical studies at the Bethlehem Bible College, he has a masters of divinity in theology and mission from the US and is currently working on his doctorate at the University of Amsterdam. We talk about the history of Christianity in Palestine and the decreasing number of Palestinians who still live in Palestine. We discuss their challenges living under Israeli military and colonial rule and their efforts to counter the Christian Zionist narrative. As we are approaching Christmas and this episode was recorded in Bethlehem, we end the episode with a Christmas wish and message for everyone around the world.If you want to learn more about Palestinian theology of liberation these are some sources to check out:Books:Munther Isaac, The Other Side of the Wall Mitri Raheb, Faith in the Face of Empire Websites:https://www.kairospalestine.ps https://www.cryforhope.orghttps://christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/https://youtube.com/@ChristatTheCheckpointhttps://www.palestineportal.org/resource-directory/by-medium/books-and-films/books-about-by-palestinian-christians/

Alex co-founded Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem (yes, that one) and served as a professor and dean of students for many years. Alex received his MA in Missiology (1989) from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore KY; MA in Education (1976) from N. Georgia University in Dahlonega GA; BS in Secondary Education (1973) from Lee University in Cleveland, TN; BA in Biblical Education (1970) from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. He has also been a pastor and missionary for the United Methodist Church. Having lived in Israel from 1946-2015, Alex has seen a LOT! He shares his perspecive about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as a palestinian Christian who has lived through much fo the conflict.  Alex said you could email him at alexeawad@yahoo.com if you want him to send you a copy of his brother's book, which he talks about on the podcast. He only asks for a small donation.  If you would like to support Theology in the Raw, please visit patreon.com/theologyintheraw for more information! 

In the penultimate episode of our series on Palestinian Liberation Theology, we talk about living in the shadow of Christian Zionism with Tony Deik, who is currently a residential researcher at Tyndale House in Cambridge, where he is working on his PhD research in New Testament, as well as a lecturer in Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College, and a networking team member of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation. Over the course of our conversation tell us his personal story, and stresses his surprise at the prominence of Zionism in Christian circles, especially within evangelicalism, and he addresses various problems that he sees with wedding together Christianity and Zionism. Towards the end we discuss how his perspective and experience as a Palestinian Christian informs his reading of the Bible.

In this week's episode, Khalil Sayegh shares his experience as a Palestinian Christian. The territory of Palestine contains two regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Though they share a people and a history, the two areas are separated by the country of Israel and are ruled by two different governments (the West Bank by the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Gaza Strip by Hamas). Khalil discusses the modern political and religious dynamics at play in the Gaza Strip, including the relationships between Israel and Hamas and between Islam and Christianity. He also surveys Christianity in Palestine, from its use of Scripture to its approach to evangelism. Khalil Sayegh is a Fellow at the Philos Project. He grew up in the Gaza Strip and currently lives in the West Bank. His public work focuses on challenging the negative perceptions of Jewish people in Palestinian society and promoting peace among the various religious groups in the region. He has studied at Bethlehem Bible College and American University. Show notes: 0:00 Growing up in Gaza 1:54 War, mobility, and Christianity in Gaza 5:35 Sunni Islam and political parties 7:24 Gaza's Christian churches 9:15 Interactions between Christianity and Islam 11:03 Political power in Gaza 14:36 Christmas, Hamas, and public Christianity 16:27 Conditions for visiting the West Bank 19:30 Views of Christian Scripture in Palestine 26:11 Evangelism and responses to conversion 28:22 Cultural distinctives of the Palestinian church Show notes by Micah Long