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The fundamentally Jewish character of God's revelation in Jesus. Christianity has been immensely adaptable to a world of cultures. But without an awareness of Christianity's Jewish roots, believers will misunderstand its fundamental themes of creation, redemption, sacrifice, and restoration.

What justice means for a Jewish state and its neighbors. While the most vocal Christian Zionists call for Israel to possess all of the Davidic "Greater Israel," such goals come at too high a price. A majority of Israelis realize this and have voted for political parties committed to disengagement. As one Israeli blogger wrote in response to the July letter: "I, too, believe in Greater Israel, but I cannot have my dream if it means occupying millions of Palestinians."

In a post-Holocaust world, the security needs of Israel must be honored. At the same time, restorative justice must set aside absolute claims from any parties and find a workable middle ground in which Palestinians can have a viable economic life and Israelis can be secure.

What kind of theological and ethical significance evangelicals can give the state of Israel before the return of Messiah Jesus. Orthodox Jews distinguish between the return to Israel (which has religious meaning) and the government and state (which do not)—at least until Messiah comes. Evangelicals should beware of attributing too much theological meaning to the state of Israel and not enough to the Jewish people.

Optimism for a negotiated solution to Israeli-Palestinian tensions fluctuates with the news. But Christians must hope in God's covenant faithfulness. Meanwhile, we should keep reminding those involved in direct negotiations that we long for a solution that provides a secure Jewish homeland and self-determination and prosperity for Palestinians. In God's eyes, the peace of Jerusalem is to bless all peoples.

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The New York Times published the letter to George Bush with the list of signatures.

Christianity Today's previous articles on Israel and the Jewish people include:

Opinion Roundup: The Evangelical View of Israel? | Evangelicals are more diverse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than we are led to believe (June 1, 2003)

Christian History Corner: Zion Haste | Does the passion of a few nineteenth-century Chicagoans still influence American policy in the Middle East? (January 1, 2002)

The Chosen People Puzzle | When it comes to relating to the Jewish people, should we dialogue, cooperate, or evangelize? (Richard J. Mouw, March 5, 2001)

CT Classic: Do Jews Really Need Jesus? | What evangelicals believe about evangelization of the Jews—and whether the Holocaust makes a difference in that task. (October 8, 1990)

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September 2007, Vol. 51, No. 9