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3. A Christianity Today online poll showed 49 percent of our Internet readers accept the creation of a Palestinian state under the right conditions, while 39 percent reject the idea.

Despite the broad diversity in the way God's people interpret his covenant with Israel, we should be able to agree on a few guiding principles. First, we all desire a secure Israel. The country was founded in order to provide a safe haven for those who had narrowly escaped genocide and their descendants. After 50 years, the security of Israel should not be a matter for debate.

Second, heavy-handed military approaches to security—though occasionally necessary—can never be a solution. Policies that result in closed Palestinian schools, razed houses and orchards, and a crippled economy actually increase sympathy for the radicals. Economic, education, housing, and health care efforts could have a significant moderating effect.

Third, peace is not a zero-sum game. Both radical Arab activists and right-wing Israelis can torpedo any hope of a stable future by clinging to their demands. The long-term fruit of such absolutism is fanaticism and increased resistance. Moderate elements on both sides have the power to undermine the extremism and must work toward win-win results—such as those the enterprising businessmen on the BBC were beginning to explore.

The Bush administration needs to know that when it comes to Israel and the Palestinians, evangelicals form no ideological bloc. Today's evangelical public cares deeply not only about security and safety for all in the region, but also about the health and well-being of all its people.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Other articles appearing on our site today include:

Articles referenced in the editorial include:

Opinion Roundup: The Evangelical View of Israel? | Evangelicals are more diverse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than we are led to believe. (Christianity Today, June 11, 2003)

A Very Mixed Marriage | Evangelical Christians lining up to fight for Israel may be an unmovable obstacle to Bush's 'road map' (Newsweek)

Previous related Christianity Today articles include:

A Middle Way in the Middle East | A third theological path through the Israeli-Palestinian thicket. (April 11, 2003)

How Evangelicals Became Israel's Best Friend | In the last 50 years, Israel has needed all the friends it can get, and evangelicals have been loyal and productive supporters. (October 5, 1998)

Activists well acquainted with terror | "Jerusalem Women Speak" tour gains relevance for audience members struggling with new fears. (September 27, 2001)

Palestine's Christians Persist Despite Pressures | With escalating violence in Israel, ministries face a "sad and scary" situation. (September 19, 2001)

Strengthen Christian Presence In The Holy Land, Carey Pleads | Middle-East leaders asked to help tone down violence that has killed 650 in 10 months. (August 2, 2001)

Violence Puts Archaeologists Between Rocks, Hard Places | About half of the planned excavations in the Holy Land this summer have been canceled. (June 27, 2001)

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August 2003, Vol. 47, No. 8