Whose Land? Whose Promise? is Burge's personal exploration of his feelings about the crisis in the Middle East, put on paper to communicate with other Christians who share the same opinions he does and seek answers to the same questions he does; questions such as: How do I embrace my commitment to Judaism, a commitment to which I am bound by the Bible, when I sense in my deepest being that there is a profound injustice afoot in Israel? How do I celebrate the birth of this nation Israel when I also mourn the suffering of Arab Christians who are equally my brothers and sisters in Christ? How do I love those Palestinian Muslims who are deeply misunderstood by all parties in this conflict?
Gary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He previously taught for twenty-five years at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Among his many published books are The New Testament in Seven Sentences, Theology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion, Mapping Your Academic Career, The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Gene Green), and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians.
Drenched in history and theology, this book was an enlightening guide to the current issue between Israel and Palestine. Any Christian would do well by picking up this book.
While no book can provide a comprehensive view of the Israel/Palestine conflict, Dr. Burge presents a thorough detailing of the history, statistics, his personal experiences, stories from both Jews and Palestinians, and a biblical examination (OT & NT) into Israel’s claims. I could feel the plight of Palestinians and Israelis through the stories Burge shares. I invite any interested learner to include this book as part of their gaining awareness of Israel/Palestine.
For a book originally written over 20 years ago, it carries much timely information even today. It opened my eyes to stories of the struggle of both Palestinians and Israelis to get the Israeli government to act justly towards the Palestinian people. It both brought new perspectives and confirmed suspicions I already had after visiting Israel and seeing the walled-off Palestinian communities outside of Jerusalem. I can’t recommend this enough to any Christian.
Faith is not practiced in a vacuum so any major cultural points of tension are important. Our faith in God should inform all of our political decisions and this book is incredibly important to any American Christian because of this. Specifically the two chapters about the Old Testament covenant with the land and New Testament revelation that Jesus breaks the barriers of worship to only be land specific. Burge appeals to both Jewish and Christian understanding with these two combined together in a straight to the point way of dealing with the original land promise in an uncompromised manner. Even if you are pretty firm in your belief about where you stand with the land of Israel I still highly recommend approaching this book with an openess. A book about politics that has only gotten more relevant over time.
A must-read for Christians who want a thorough, theological, biblical correction to the way many American Evangelicals have understood what the secular nation of Israel is, what they have been doing, and their relationship to the Palestinians. Shocking. Enlightening. Infuriating.
An even-handed, scholarly, and compelling call to Christians to understand the complexity of the conflict and to reassess their political stance toward Israel in light of Scripture. Burge opens with an overview of the geography, history, and politics of Israel/Palestine before examining the biblical vision of Israel's relationship to the Holy Land. He demonstrates that firstly Israel was called by God to live righteously and justly in the land with foreigners. Furthermore, because of Christ's launching of the new covenant and expansion of God's people to include Gentiles, Abrahamic promises to inherit the land cannot be limited to only Jews but applied to all believers. Graphically documenting numerous and horrendous human rights abuses of Palestinians by Israelis, Burge speaks prophetically in urging Christians to stand up for peace and justice, particularly for Palestinian Christians, who are brothers and sisters in Christ.
My mom, my oldest brother and I have been doing an informal "book club" the past few months...basically, just reading books together and sharing thoughts through email and phone calls. It's been a great experience. Lately, we've been reading books concerning the Israel/Palestine conflict. What better place to turn than a trusty Wheaton prof?
I can safely say, this book has changed my life. Specifically, it has changed the way I look at the Israel/Palestine conflict, the way I look at the Bible, and the way I think about politics. Beware, suffice to say it is not a typical pro-Israel point of view, but solidly biblical.
The most balanced treatment of the issue of Christian Zionism that I've read. It comes from a solid conservative evangelical stance, and is richly informed by first-hand acquaintance with people in the Land.
세진님, 요청하신 게리 버지의 <누구의 땅인가? 누구의 약속인가?>에 대한 요약과 평론을 작성해 보았습니다. 이 책은 복음주의 신학의 관점에서 이스라엘과 팔레스타인 분쟁을 다루며, 현대 이스라엘 국가를 성서적 예언의 성취로만 보려는 시각에 비판적인 질문을 던지는 중요한 저작입니다.
저자는 창세기부터 신명기에 이르는 땅의 약속을 정밀하게 분석한다. 많은 기독교인이 아브라함에게 주신 땅의 약속을 무조건적이고 영원한 것으로 이해하지만, 버지는 성서의 율법과 예언자들이 일관되게 <땅의 거주 조건>을 제시했음을 지적한다. 이스라엘이 땅에 머물 수 있는 권리는 하나님의 공의와 자비를 실천할 때 비로소 유지된다는 것이다. 즉, 땅은 이스라엘의 소유가 아니라 하나님의 것이며, 이스라엘은 그 땅의 <소작인> 혹은 <나그네>로 부름받았다는 논리다.
버지는 신약 성서가 구약의 지리적 약속을 어떻게 영적으로, 보편적으로 확장했는지 설명한다. 예수 그리스도 안에서 땅에 대한 약속은 특정한 영토에 국한되지 않고 전 세계로 확장되었으며, 하나님 나라의 통치라는 개념으로 변모했다. 따라서 현대의 이스라엘 국가를 성서적 예언의 직접적인 성취로 보는 세대주의적 관점은 신약의 성취를 간과한 불완전한 해석이라고 비판한다.
이 책의 가장 강력한 부분 중 하나는 잊힌 목소리인 <팔레스타인 그리스도인>들의 고통을 조명하는 것이다. 서구 기독교인들이 이스라엘의 영토 확장을 하나님의 뜻이라 찬양할 때, 정작 그 땅에서 수천 년간 신앙을 지켜온 아랍 그리스도인들은 정착촌 확대와 검문소에 의해 삶의 터전을 잃고 있다. 저자는 같은 신앙을 공유하는 형제들의 고통을 외면하는 서구 교회의 도덕적 맹점을 날카롭게 꼬집는다.
마지막으로 저자는 이스라엘 정부의 점령 정책이 국제법과 인권의 관점에서 심각한 문제를 안고 있음을 데이터와 사례를 통해 제시한다. 서안지구(West Bank)의 수자원 통제, 분리 장벽 설치, 정착촌 건설 등은 팔레스타인인들의 생존권을 위협하며, 이는 성서가 요구하는 <이방인을 선대하라>는 명령과 정면으로 배치된다는 것이 버지의 주장이다.
게리 버지의 이 저작은 기독교 시온주의(Christian Zionism)가 주류를 이루는 복음주의 진영 내에서 터부시되던 주제를 학문적, 목회적 관점에서 공론화했다는 점에서 매우 용기 있는 작업이다.
이 책의 탁월함은 이스라엘을 부정하는 것이 아니라, 이스라엘을 바라보는 <렌즈>를 교정하려 한다는 데 있다. 저자는 반유대주의로 흐르지 않으면서도, 현대 국가 이스라엘을 신성화하는 오류를 경계한다. 특히 땅의 소유권(Ownership)과 거주권(Residence)을 구분하여, 성서적 약속이 윤리적 책임과 결합해 있음을 증명한 논리는 매우 치밀하다.
버지는 이념이나 정치적 구호보다 <사람>에 집중한다. 복음주의자들이 이스라엘의 군사적 승리를 성서의 실현으로 환호할 때, 그 이면에서 소멸해가는 팔레스타인 공동체의 인간적 얼굴을 보여줌으로써 독자들에게 당혹스러운 질문을 던진다. "우리의 신학이 누군가의 고통을 정당화하고 있지는 않는가?"라는 질문은 종교적 독선에 빠지기 쉬운 현대인들에게 깊은 울림을 준다.
다만, 이스라엘의 안보 위협이나 주변 아랍 국가들과의 복잡한 역학 관계에 대한 서술이 상대적으로 비중이 낮다는 점은 비판의 여지가 있다. 팔레스타인 내부의 정치적 부패나 극단주의 세력의 문제보다는 이스라엘의 점령 정책과 기독교인의 책임에 집중되어 있어, 분쟁 전체를 조망하려는 독자에게는 다소 편향되게 느껴질 수도 있다.
<누구의 땅인가? 누구의 약속인가?>는 성서 해석이 현실 정치와 결합했을 때 얼마나 강력하고도 위험한 도구가 될 수 있는지를 보여준다. 게리 버지는 땅의 진정한 주인은 하나님이며, 그 땅의 약속은 오직 정의와 평화를 통해서만 유효하다는 사실을 일깨운다. 이 책은 이스라엘-팔레스타인 문제를 선악의 이분법으로 보지 않고, 성서적 정의의 관점에서 재구성하려는 모든 이에게 필독을 권할 만한 명저다.
세진님, 이 요약이 책의 핵심을 이해하시는 데 도움이 되기를 바랍니다. 추가로 궁금하신 점이나 더 깊이 다루고 싶은 부분이 있다면 말씀해 주
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Chad
5.0 out of 5 stars Oxygen for those drowning in the suffering of the Palestinians
Reviewed in the United States on 3 October 2025
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I have read this book twice. I have bought numerous copies and given them to people who were willing to listen. Highly recommended!!!! Historical. Biblical. Personal. Transformational.
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Rachel Fields
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, thorough, balanced and full of the heart of God for these people!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 April 2025
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Best read on this topic out there. Every believer should read this to be balanced and informed on the topic of Israel and Palestine.
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Vicki M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Vitally Important Read
Reviewed in the United States on 4 February 2006
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This book makes me angry. It is that good. Undoubtedly there are villains to be found on both sides of the Palestinian/Israel issue but those who attack this work are dishonest in that the subtitle is "What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians". And that subtitle gives an honest introduction to what this book is about.
The average Christian in America, Evangelical, or otherwise has not thought about Israel in the terms that are presented here. This book uses Holy Scripture in a very responsible manner. Only someone who refuses to examine their presuppositions will not be able to read this book with profit. The silly reviewer who cites one of the book's weaknesses as interpreting the Scriptures from a Christian perspective only reveals his own anti-Christian bias. What he doesn't tell you is that there are a growing number of Jews whose interpretation of the Old Testament, of the Hebrew Bible, Scriptures is the same as Burge's regarding modern Israel.
The average Christian, especially the average Evangelical, needs to read this book! This book completely dismantles the unconditional support of Israel by the Pat Robertsons and Jerry Falwells of the world. And I say this as a conservative Christian.
Read this book! Read this book! Read this book! Buy an extra copy for a friend.
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Linda S.
4.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening!
Reviewed in the United States on 17 April 2025
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As a Christian, I have always been pro-Israel. Lately, I have been wrestling with the idea that God still has a special plan for Israel. Did He already fulfill His land promise to Israel in the OT and since their rejection of Christ, is the church the new Israel? While this book didn’t directly answer this question, though Burges did discuss it some, I was surprised to learn so much about Israel’s sordid history since becoming its own state. There are always 3 sides to a story, and while I understand that the Palestinians/Arabs are not without blame, I now have much more compassion and understanding of their plight.
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James Barnes
5.0 out of 5 stars The story you don't hear
Reviewed in the United States on 28 May 2024
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Well documented and clearly written. This book unpacks the Hebrew and Christian texts, centuries of history, and facts on the ground to challenge the American views of the middle east.
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Kerry Taylor-Snyder
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on 24 April 2025
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Great read...
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Linda D
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish everyone would read this book. Christians especially ...
Reviewed in the United States on 31 August 2014
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I wish everyone would read this book. Christians especially. The author chronicles the history of modern Israel from its formation to the present. He lists the atrocities committed by Israelis against the Palestinians, including the massive land grabs and terrorism. He argues that the modern Jewish state is not the Biblical Jewish state restored, because there is no emphasis on justice, mercy and fair treatment. The book explodes the idea that Israel can do no wrong in its dealings with the Arabs. The book is thoroughly researched and the author includes his own experiences from the years he lived in Israel/Palestine.
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Case
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel/Palestine Whose Land?
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2012
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Whose Land? Whose Promise?: What Christians Are Not Being Told about Israel and the PalestiniansAs a Christian who has lived and worked on a regular basis in Israel/Palestine since 1972,it was refreshing to read another Christian's account which mirrors mine. I have long lamented that too many Christians really do not know what the Old Testament prophets (and Jesus)would say to the current residents of the land between Dan and Beersheva.The State of Israel exists, rightfully so, but what would the prophets and Jesus say about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians from 1948 through 2012? Gary M. Burge answers this question. Shalom/Salaam
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E. Johnson
4.0 out of 5 stars Eye-opener about the Middle East
Reviewed in the United States on 6 August 2007
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This is a book that you will either love or hate depending on your view of Dispensationalism v. Covenant Theology. Here, Burge--a professor at Wheaton College--shows why Zionism is not biblical, as he utilizes history and the Bible to show his point. The Tim LaHayes of the world will wrench their hands in disgust and say that Burge is missing clear evidnece in the Bible regarding the place for the Jews in the end times. Yet many of these hyper-Dispensationalists need to not take their peripheral view of eschatology so seriously. Yes, end times are important, and yes, I think compasion on the Jews is needed. But as Burge points out, what about human rights for everyone? I just finished reading through Isaiah and Jeremiah, and boy, they sure were tough on "God's people" for their sins. I think it is important to show how a person's heritage should not matter since all people are created equal in God's sight, as Paul mentioned in Galatians that there is neither male nor female and neither Jew nor Greek. To classify an entire people as above the moral law and allow their government to persecute another people in the name of biblical presuppositions is immoral and should be condemned. And Burge explains this side very well.
The book does have some weak points. First, I read it in the summer of 2007, and with so much that has taken place over the course of these last four years, is in bad need of an update. This is especially true with Hussein no longer an issue and Iraq's future much different than when this book was first written. Another criticism is that Burge really does make it look like the Palestinians are completely innocent and have not caused many of their own problems. I was in Israel/Egypt 17 years ago during the Infitada and believe that much of the Palestinian strategy was misguided, which only infuriated the general Israeli public against the Palestinians. And what about all of the bombings of innocent people done in Israel by Palestininans? No mention of this is made by Burge.
As far as the "rocks" he mentions being thrown by Palestinian youth, he makes it sound so innocent. Yet I can attest that the rock throwing can be lethal. Driving through Jerusalem, our tour bus was the target of slingshots, shattering windows as we hit the deck to avoid the shattering glass. Walking through the Old Jersualem streets, we had to dodge slingshotted stones and bb's because, obviously, we were American tourists. Gladly, none of the 40 of us--mostly elderly--were ever hurt during the trip, but I think that attempting to hurt other people (was it for retaliation? how would taking out somebody's eye or going through their arm help the cause?) is not the best strategy. Instead of making the Palestinians into saints, I wish Burge would have been a little less biased in his reporting and reported some of the abuses on the other side.
Overall, though, there is good information here that those with a Premil, Pretrib view ought to consider. Every Christian ought to consider these things before pledging allegiance to the nation of Israel, which is not necessarily the friend of human rights or Christianity, for that matter.
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Anthony J. Cavaliere
4.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
Reviewed in the United States on 22 September 2003
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This work is a look at a difficult situation from an evangelical Christian perspective. It is a different view that actually demonstrates the enormous complexity of the situation. Burge writes some things that are tough to take because they run counter to the black and white dispensational theology that is so popular among fundamentalist Christians and Charismatics. The current nation of Israel has done unrighteous deeds in the name of God. Christians have supported them from the false perspective that this is a fulfillment of God's prophetic plan. Yet Israel is an unrighteous nation that has killed in the name of God. Israel has deprived thousands of people of their rights to justice. Israel has dispossessed people from their homes and lands with no compensation, not just Moselms but Arab Christians as well. Burge does not condone the acts of the Arab jihad and the suicide bombers but neither does he condone the unrighteous behavior of the Israelis. His conclusion is that we Christians should not be supporting Israeli unjustice. These acts of unrighteousness are hurting our Christian brethren who live in Palestine.
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Eng Boo Tan
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting insight into the problem of Palestinians and Israelis
Reviewed in the United States on 26 June 2020
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Very well written and easy to read. A must reading for those going to the Holy Land. While it is a must to visit biblical sites in Israel there is need to remember the Palestinian Christians too.
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M. Louise Cordova
5.0 out of 5 stars Better go back and read what happened to the Israelites ...
Reviewed in the United States on 28 July 2016
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What an eye opener. God didn't give Israelis the land, but allowed to inhabit the land by keeping his covenants.
I don't believe that destroying the homes of Palestinians and oppressing them is in keeping with Gods
covenant. Better go back and read what happened to the Israelites in the OT when they thought their actions were more important than God's covenant.
A must read for those traveling to Israel and the West Bank.
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Carol L. Tuck
5.0 out of 5 stars Stakeholders
Reviewed in the United States on 19 August 2013
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Though this book is written primarily to make Christians aware of the issues about the conflict in Israel/Palestine, I invite all people interested in the region to read it. Most important question in the book, page 161, "Am I a stakeholder in this problem?" I recommend people read the book to answer the question. This is the first book I have read by Gary Burge, but I will be checking out whatelse he has written.
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Ed Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Interpreting God's covenant
Reviewed in the United States on 29 September 2005
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The book begins by showing us that any gains made by the Zionists in forming Israel were offset by corresponding losses to indigenous Palestinians, both Christians and Moslems. Through quotes from scripture it's shown that the harsh treatment of the Palestinians in forming Israel was and is against God's law. These transgressions lead to a presentation of an alternative interpretation of God's covenant regarding "the land". The book is very well organized and referenced. It will be a most illuminating read for most folks. The book is neither pro Israel nor "anti-semetic".
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Catriona Erler
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written and Reasoned
Reviewed in the United States on 10 November 2003
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Whose Land? Whose Promise? should be required reading for anyone who wants to know what is really going on in Israel/Palestine. With clear, well-written prose that makes this book a pleasure to read, Gary Burge tackles the thorny problem of Jewish/Palestinian relations from a strong, well-reasoned biblical perspective. Read it with an open mind and an open heart, and you'll have a much deeper understanding of the historic, spiritual, and political background of this tempestuous corner of the world.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Let's be pro-Israel. Pro-palestinian. And pro-Jesus. One ...
Reviewed in the United States on 20 March 2017
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Let's be pro-Israel. Pro-palestinian. And pro-Jesus. One of the most important books I've ever read.
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MagicMan
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 11 February 2017
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Great book
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TCCAmadala
4.0 out of 5 stars Great author, good book
Reviewed in the United States on 22 April 2013
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Anything Gary Burge writes is worth reading, so this is an addition to that list (although it is not new).
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Dan R. Turbeville
1.0 out of 5 stars Received a used book instead of a new one.
Reviewed in the United States on 15 December 2023
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I ordered a new book and received a used book that is written in. Extremely disappointed. Giving it has a gift and it is too late to return!!
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Laurena Schuemann
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for every Christian
Reviewed in the United States on 24 March 2013
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It continues to be incredible that people are blindly accepting the illegal settlements in The West Bank. "Once you know - you can never not know"
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Seysme
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all Christians!
Reviewed in the United States on 27 March 2016
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Easy to read and thorough. A MUST READ for ALL Christians!!!
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Dani
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United States on 5 September 2017
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So informative. Great perspective
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Charles N. Sheley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 24 August 2014
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A side of the conflict that people need to know about.
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Rosalie A.Moyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 25 April 2016
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Very intense. Very timely.
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J. Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent perspective
Reviewed in the United States on 19 March 2006
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It is good to finally read a balanced evangelical account of how people are suffering in Palestine and how we evangelicals have inadvertently played into it.
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Dedaugh
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT TRANSACTION
Reviewed in the United States on 9 June 2007
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Couldn't ask for a better transaction. Fast shipping & book in great condition!
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