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Christianity Today, April, 2007 |

GLOBAL PROGNOSIS

Throwing Rocks at Israel

Ex-President Carter's new book is both misleading and dangerous.

David Aikman | posted 3/28/2007 08:40AM

Whatever happened to former President Jimmy Carter?

Long hailed as "the best ex-President we've ever had," a hard-working humanitarian, a globe-trotting observer of Third World elections, a Southern Baptist ...

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Kay	Posted: April 11, 2007 8:32 AM

I admit to not having read Carter's book but anyone who lives in the US and thinks there is not a very strong pro-Israel lobby surely is living in denial. Many of us have had the experience of being called anti-Semitic because we question some of Israel's policies. "Bill" is correct is saying that many Israelis do not support their government's policies. Agree or not with Mr. Carter but give the man some credit for knowing something about this issue.

Sam	Posted: April 11, 2007 7:38 AM

In a rather odd bit of irony, the suggested reading list at the end of the rather biased article tends to make Carter's case well. The phrase, "it is Carter's overwhelmingly anti-Israel bias that has offended many" doesn't convince me that Aikmen has read the book. It is honest and brutal about Israel in places, but that hardly reflects "overwhelmingly anti-Israel bias." For the first time in my life, I think Carter finally gets it! How evangelicals can continue to be silent about the plight of Palestinian Christians, including those whose lives are impacted by Israel, makes no more sense than our silence about Sudanese troubles. Thank you Mr. Carter for being brave enough to say what you have said.

Jonny Clark

Posted: April 11, 2007 6:56 AM

I have visited Israel and the Palestinian territories on 3 occasions in the last 4 years for the purpose of seeing with my own eyes the situation. I struggle to believe David Aikman has done the same. The Wall that has been built has undoubtedly grabbed much land for the State of Israel, it separated Palestinian family members from each other, some of whom are Palestinian Chritsians, and friends of mine, and has generally made life intolerably hard for the Arab population. Walls will only ever be destructive in the long term while in the short term they may give momentary protection to one side. Come to my home of Belfast and you will see what I mean. Bad article, bad research, can we have an alternative view from CT please...Jonny Clark, YWAM Belfast

P.J.	Posted: April 11, 2007 5:05 AM

I'm genuinely saddened to see so many angry, insult-filled responses on a Christian site. And as a Christian, I'm also saddened to see much of that hostility being directed towards Israel. That being said, it seems obvious that Mr. Aikman has a pro-Israeli bias, just as it seems equally obvious that former President Carter has a decidely pro-Palestinian bias. I think Mr. Aikman accurately establishes the bias of the former president based on both the factual and anecdotal evidence that he presents, particularly the well-documented statements that he included in his article. Whether or not one agrees with his conclusions, I believe he does a fine job in revealing Mr. Carters' agenda, while being very open about his own. In any event, from a strictly Christian perspective I'm more concerned with the former presidents' theology and discernment. The above link to the Newsweek interview quotes Mr. Carter as equating being a Mormon with being a Christian, among other things.

jamal

Posted: April 11, 2007 3:57 AM

I am a Palestinian Chrisitian and I live in Bethlehem. I can see the seperation wall from my family's house; it is scarey and show racism. I am not against Jews, I love jews. I am not against Israeli because Jesus taught me to love my enemy. I am not against my fellow christians who support the jews; I would support the jews. But I am against Zionism; this ugly politics, ugly regime, ugly thinking, ugly goverement. Sometimes I feel that I want to weep, literally weep, because millions of christians are supporting Zionism, not the jews. Zionism is about hatered, not love. Zionism is a about murder and mercy. Zionism stands for everything Jesus was against. Zionism is anti jesus and works against his teaching. I wonder why Christianity Today Magazine only publish an article that goes against the book. why don't you publish an article that side with the book. aren't you being biased with Mr. Aikmen? God bless

Warwick

Posted: April 11, 2007 3:18 AM


Until you have been to Palestine and seen the dreadful abuse of the Palestinians at the hands of Israel you will not understand. Don't confuse the secular state of Israel with the people of God in the Bible. Israel has much to give account of... not least how they have treated the strangeer in their midst.

Rev. Terry R. Oliver

Posted: April 11, 2007 2:41 AM

I visited Palestine and Israel for the first time in 2006. I was appalled by what I saw there as it totally changed the way I view Israel. I am saddened that the majority of Christians here in America have been so brainwashed by dipensational theology to see the state of Israel as a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Folks, it just "ain't" the way the New Testament reads! Go and talk to Palestinian Christians and see how they are suffering from the State of Israel and all the money poured into it by our government. When I read Jimmy Carter's book last December, I said "YES...somebody gets it and has the guts to tell the truth!" Woe to us if we keep following the blind path we are currently on. The true Israel "Does justice, loves kindness, and walks humbly with her God."

Bev from SA

Posted: April 11, 2007 1:40 AM


As a fellow Christian I do believe the article to be biased, however I applaud it as it is raising a debate on the Israely atrocities. God will hold us accountable I believe, we need to open our eyes spiritual and physical to what Israel is truly up to. Apartheid in action once again. To clarify I am a white South African.

Rum Orthodox

Posted: April 11, 2007 1:21 AM

Mr. Aikman and Alan Dershowitz promote hate, violence, & racism. It is their idealogy of zionism that portrays everyone an anti-semite that does not agree with them. They demonize anyone that stands up for the truth & seeks objectivity. They desparately try to discredit the view of another people while holding to theirs as the superior one. They have an mischievious agenda and it certainly does not promote the fullness of the truth. When will they grow up and start converting to true Christianity? Who in his right mind would recognize a country called Israel (which Israel) when it does not recognize the indigenous Arabs of the land? Israel is the only country in the world that does not have defined borders and has violated over 70+ U.N. Resolutions. Supporters of Israel justify every attack done by Israel as much as they condoned the invasion of Iraq. They are the Christian & Jewish zionist warmongers that defile every iota of Christ's teachings. They are a world threat.

C.Hughson

Posted: April 11, 2007 12:49 AM


Your editorial on Mr. Carter's book, is in the worst form of yellow journalism, which is self-seeking at best. A prophet in his own home is rarely admired. I thought CT was steering away from visceral, knee jerk fundamentalist style pseudo-journalism. Sadly, it seems that this is not so.

Rick	Posted: April 11, 2007 12:33 AM

I would have ranked this article with a minus star if it had been available. It lacks in my perception critical analysis or even a biblical perspective or should I say a Christian and God’s kingdom perspective. It reeks of those who conjure up the future from readings of Revelation or those who adhere to left behind series. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Many still create idols for the sake of ‘American Christianity” that Jesus of this time rides a war stallion and in his name we are the keepers of the peace and symbol of justice. We therefore as a culture follow our desires and wills instead of the path that Jesus laid out. A path of submission and of dying to ourselves to follow the will of God. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35 “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” G. K. Chesterton,

Mark	Posted: April 10, 2007 11:26 PM

I, too, have not read "P:P,NA" but have read much of Carter and his post-presidential work, as well as a great deal regarding the modern-day Zionist state. Is this modern political entity a legitimate expression of the faith community of the Old Testament? Perhaps that is the first question modern-day western Christians ought to be asking as political conservatives continue to pledge unlimited and unexamined support to "Israel?" Perhaps President Carter's views look to be way to the left because they are being viewed from so far to the right?

Woody Arbo

Posted: April 10, 2007 11:05 PM

It is apparent that some of the respondents are replacement theology adherents. Do not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture reject who Jesus really is. He is the Creator King, Lord of Lords, King of Kings and will return in His resurrected body to occupy His throne in Jerusalem. The land is covenant land a covent made by God himself. Neither the descendants of the Edomites, modern Gentile nations can prevent that from happening. Carter and the rest of the rejectors of biblical truth cannot change that historical fact. Jesus did not reject the Scriptures as you do, as He taught the men on the road to Emmaus from Genesis to Malichi about Himself. While the modern secular Jews do not hold to the authority of Scriptures(OT) that does not invalidate the true truth of their message. Mr. Aikman has pointed out the utter fallacy of Carter's willfully ignorant and dangerous positions.

MLSY	Posted: April 10, 2007 10:42 PM

I really wonder way "Christianity Today" put up articles that seems to side those who have an issue on Jimmy Carter's book. Is there a political agenda behind it? Is there a one sided preference from the editor? I wonder too what would the views of majority Muslims, Jews & Christians in middle east as well as those who left their homeland view the handling of Israel and States in regards to the peace accord. I think what the West really need to do is to stop debating and acting upon their understanding what is just and how justice should be administered. Perhaps it is time to listen to their neighbor and hear their fears, hope and their perception of justice, shame & honor base on their culture. So who is your neighbor? What would God have you do?

Vitaliy

Posted: April 10, 2007 10:17 PM


Israel or Palestin?! There is no difference!!! USSR invaded Afganistan, USA invaded Vietnam and there is no difference too. I think this article is not objective. Nobody is gonna give up their land and step away but for sake of peace somebody must do that first. Jesus did that first. Policy and faith can't be mixed.

Joachim Martillo

Posted: April 10, 2007 10:11 PM

I worked in Israel and the Occupied Territories for about 10 years. Originally, I was pro-Israel, but I changed my mind. See http://bridgenews.org/news/102005/martillo . As I learned more about the modern history of Jews and as I learned Arabic and Hebrew, I began to read scripture differently, and I had to rethink my beliefs about the connections of ancient Galileans and Judeans to modern populations. See http://tinyurl.com/2k22bv.

Bob Stout

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:59 PM

I find President Carter's assessment to be honest and accurate. I have long been puzzled by the situation in Israel and wondered how the post-holocaust Israelis could take actions that are so remaniscent of pre-WW II treatment of European Jews. And I make no excuse for the Palestinian terrorists actions. What we are seeing here is the action of desperate people on both sides. Neither side is seeking peace. Both sides are seeking victory. ENOUGH!

Jerry Shepperd

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:52 PM

The truth is seldom pretty and Mr. Carter has dared to speak the ugly truth to Israelis and evangelical Christians alike, especially to those who believe that modern day Israel is somehow connected to Biblical Israel. Mr. Aikman criticizes Jimmy Carter with half-truths and then ends his review with a regret that one must recognize Carter as a fellow Christian. It was time that someone pointed out that Israel has been a bully in the Middle East since early in its existence and wants peace only if it can dictate the terms, and Mr. Carter has done so masterfully and intelligently.

Fuzz	Posted: April 10, 2007 9:50 PM

I am glad that someone of Jimmy Carters statue has come out and told the otherside of the story. Having been in Gaza and seen the chemical imprgnated bombs used on the Palestinians and the bulldozing of houses and trees (olives trees some of which were then removed from Gaza to Israeli Settlements) during the Lebanese incursion. Let alone the sonic bombing that smashes windows and cracks walls as well as an Israeli guided missile exploded in a christian Hospital chapel feet away from the communion table. After listening to Israeli Soldiers confessing to me that they have a culture of oppression against the Palestinians not only in occupied lands and elsewhere. A man of peace tells the reality of a situation. There are faults on bothsides but at this stage Jimmy Carter is perhaps more fair and accurate than David Aitkin.

Larry Adair SR

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:41 PM

As is usual in this world of opiniated people, one is always a hero till he goes against whatever the popular opinion of the day. I am a Christian but are ashamed of how my brothers & sisters are so quick to jump to judgement of fellow Christians. I think Jesus & the Father had something to say about judgement. As for your story, you set the reader up to come to a negative conclusion about Jimmy. You quoted only the negative articles about Jimmy. It seems as if politicaly correctnes to invade Your article. Ask youself, "What would Jesus have done?" Please refrain fom a tabloid mentality. In all things & ways, to God be the glory. God bless you all.....Larry Adair

ny	Posted: April 10, 2007 9:20 PM


Very well said. Too many American evangelicals are confusing U.S. policy and zionism with Biblical values, such as; love the stranger, love our neighbors and enemies, do not neglect the oppressed, care for the poor. This is the heart of Jesus' message, and Carter 'gets it'. This book is valuable and needs to be heard.

Dr. Emil J. Authelet

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:17 PM

Aikman's article is more one-sided than was Carter's book. I see more of Jesus in what Carter wrote. Even a cursory reading of history shows who started the conflict and why it is continuing. The wall is not to protect Jewish citizens; it is to keep out the world's news media as they continue to kill Christians as well as Muslims. Show me a single Jewish settlement that has not been a land-grap. One day at the Wailing Wall a very devout man begged God for an audience. Finally, a Voice was heard from Heaven asking, "What is it you want?" He replied to God, "I want to know if there will ever be peace in Jerusalem?" God answered, "Yes, but not in My lifetime!" I have spend time being jailed in the US protesting the treatment of Jews in the former Soviet Union, advocating for their rights. But with this present on-going crisis in Palestine I would be headed for a Jewish prison like others have, protesting their treatment of the Palestinians.

Ed from Boston

Posted: April 10, 2007 8:55 PM

I think President Carter is a brave man to finally speak the truth about the Israeli Palestinian conflict. What my friend Bill from the previous comment may not realize is this Israel is not a righteous Israel. The Truth really isn't setting him free, but President Carters book details the truth about the peoples in conflict in this region. I can assure you the Israeli lobby in this country is a valuable tool for the founders of Israeli rule in the land of Palestine. We all bowed down low at after the the Nazi genocide, but it looks like the Israeli people forgot the lessons learned, quickly. We should as a country and as Christians look to guide this conflict to a more compassionate end, continuing and escalating the cycle of hate is and will never resolve anything.

Eric Kolbinsky

Posted: April 10, 2007 8:42 PM


I don't see how anyone can believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God and not be a supporter of Isreal. As far as Jimmy Carter goes, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What I find suprising are the negative responses coming from the readers of "a magazine of evangelical conviction." You surely can't be claiming that the Palestinians are the good guys?

Dee Schwartz

Posted: April 10, 2007 8:05 PM

President Jimmy Carter is a contemporary Prophet who seeks peace for both Israel and Palestine, life for both Israel and Palestine, and respect for one another in the name of Jesus. His speech at Brandeis, which I've listened to three times over is very pro-human rights for both Israel and the Palestinians. Shame on Christianity Today for even suggesting that President Carter has any bias for either Israel or for Palestine. His bias has been made quite clear. It's for justice, peace, and a respect for all people. Get your understanding very clear before you allow people to write what is just not true about President Carter or anyone. Dee Schwartz Wellesley, Massachusetts

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