In depth | Evangelicals Now

Israel has voted – but should evangelicals care?

Joel Barder

I have never seen an Israeli election so widely reported in the British media before. This tiny strip of land – yes, roughly the size of Wales – seems never far from our television screens, newspapers and political discussions. Its politics, its security and its future appear to occupy an extraordinary amount of attention.

Indeed, I must confess that I was a little surprised to be asked to write about the Israeli election for Evangelicals Now. Does it really matter that much to us? What benefit is there to you, or indeed to me, in discussing the complexities of Israeli politics?

Middle East conflict: Whose side should Christians be on?

Rory McClure

Following Joel Barder's recent article on Zionism and racism, "'Zionism is racism' falls short – here's why", this article by Rory McClure, pastor of Parkside Evangelical Church, part of the FIEC, further explores some of the related theological issues.

The continuing conflicts in the Middle East present Christians with difficult questions. How should we respond to the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians? Should Christians have a particular sympathy for Israel because of its place in Biblical history? Does God's covenant with Abraham give the modern State of Israel a special claim upon our support? How should the teaching of Jesus shape our attitudes towards these conflicts? These are theological and moral questions that deserve careful thought in the light of Scripture.

'Zionism is racism' falls short – here's why

Joel Barder

I would like to introduce you to three people.

First, Khaled Kabub. Born in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, to Muslim parents, Khaled was the son of a bus driver. After studying at Tel Aviv University, he went on to receive a Master’s degree in law through Tel Aviv University and the University of California. Today, as a Muslim citizen of Israel, he serves as a justice on the Supreme Court of Israel.

Have we forgotten about Israel?

Charles Gardner

Freshly revived from another invigorating experience at Keswick – the Galilee of England as I coined it last year – I am stirred anew by the glorious gospel which alone can heal our sick society.

Repeatedly urged to drink of the living waters Jesus promised to those who are spiritually thirsty, I know of no other Christian convention that is more Christ-centred.

Jewish believers 'disappointed' with CofE

Lydia Houghton

The Church’s Ministry Among Jewish People (CMJ UK) has expressed concerns about the Church of England’s (CofE) “Kairos Palestine motion” which was passed at July’s General Synod.

In a letter to the CofE’s General Synod, CMJ UK affirms the importance of hearing the witness of Palestinian Christians, and then says: “Our concern is not that these voices are being heard, but that they are presented largely in isolation from other faithful Christian perspectives.”

The Iran war: An evangelical economist writes

Andy Hartropp

It is striking that the current war in the Middle East is having such a major and immediate impact on people’s lives here in the UK – on your life and mine. I am talking here especially about the economic impact.

It was on 28 February this year that the USA and Israel began a series of military strikes against Iran. Less than three weeks later, the average price of petrol in the UK had already risen by 10p per litre – and diesel prices were up by 20p per litre.

‘Pray for salvation of all Israel’

Luke Randall

A Jewish believer says there is a “spiritual reality” undergirding what is happening in the Middle East.

Boris Skvortsov, the UK Director of Jews for Jesus, spoke to en about the radical Islam which fuels the Iranian regime and about his hopes for a more peaceful future. However, he pointed to widespread antisemitism and hatred of Jewish people as key obstacles which must be overcome for this to be achieved.

Are the US-Israel strikes on Iran a 'just war'?

Martyn Whittock

Christian Just War theory represents one of the most influential ethical traditions for evaluating the moral legitimacy of warfare.

Developed within Christian theology but later influencing secular international ethics and law, the theory attempts to reconcile two competing commitments: the Christian call to peace; and the moral responsibility of political authorities to protect the innocent and oppose those threatening harm to others.

The Middle East: Peace at last? A Christian perspective

Tim Farron

Last week there was jubilation and relief as the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages were released from Gaza. In return, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners and a further 1,700 detainees. This is hopefully a first tentative step towards building a peace process in the Middle East.

Of course there are many issues still to be resolved – for example, how Gaza might be governed and what the proposed multinational "stabilisation force" might look like.

Gaza and the gospel

Russell Moore

After two years of bloodshed since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, 2023, the war in Gaza seems to be over. The living hostages are back home, as President Donald Trump and Hamas and Israel hammered out in a cease-fire agreement.

In that, all of us can rejoice, even if the peace will be fragile—and even though wounds from the loss of so many innocent lives, both Gazans and Israelis, will take decades if not centuries to heal. Christians around the world might be tempted to think this matter is now over, at least for us. Gaza, though, has more to do with our own gospel story than we might think.

How should we feel about the Gaza ceasefire?

Dan Wells

The first sign was a hand-written note and a whisper in the ear of the American President. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Palestine had yielded fruit. Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for peace in the Middle East could be the basis for a serious and lasting end to the conflict in Gaza.

It came two years and two days after the incident that started the war: Hamas’ devastating attack on 7 October 2023 that killed over a thousand Israelis. As Israel then attacked and invaded the Palestinian territory of Gaza, it has resulted in many thousands more deaths. The war has also led to a humanitarian crisis within Gaza leaving people without food, shelter and clean water.

Biblical synagogue breakthrough claim

James Patterson

Archaeologists in northern Israel believe they may have uncovered the remains of a first-century synagogue, a Biblical find labelled as possibly the most significant for decades.

The remains were found in Chorazin (or Korazin, among other possible spellings), an ancient settlement associated with the New Testament.

Gaza: New call for peace

Luke Randall

The war between Israel and Hamas must end and the oft-discussed “two-state solution” is “achievable” in the long term if built upon the rule of law, according to a Palestinian Christian journalist.

This month marks two years since the latest conflict between the two factions began and many have little hope that a resolution can be found. However, in an exclusive interview with en, award-winning Palestinian Christian journalist and writer Daoud Kuttab revealed that he believes there are ways to ensure Israelis and Palestinians can live alongside each other peacefully in the future.

In Depth: Israel