• Derek McDowell
• Philip Church
• Steve Tollestrup
• Sam Chapman
• Rob Yule

A publication of Vision Network of New Zealand Israel, Five Views on People, Land and State

Published by Vision Network of New Zealand PO 8062 Symonds StreetAuckland 1150

This book is copyright. Except for the purpose of fair reviewing, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Infringement is liable to prosecution.

© Vision Network 2009-02-19ISBNCover design by Israel, Five Views on People, Land and State

Contents
Preface vii
PART ONE
1 God's Covenant of Peace through Israel, His Beloved 1
2 The Promised Land in the N.T., particularly Hebrews 15
3 Peace in Palestine: an Evangelical Social Justice Perspective 27
4 A Quest for Origin and Purpose: An Indigenous People's View 43
5 Christians and Israel 55
PART TWO
1 A Response from Derek McDowell 71
2 A Response from Philip Church 79
3 A Response from Stephen Tollstrup 85
4 A Response from Sam Chapman 91
5 A Response from Rob Yule 95

About the Writers 103
Israel, Five Views on People, Land and State

Preface

Among the many controversial issues in the world today, the Middle East conflict undoubtedly ranks as one of the most important, involving elements of national and global security, terrorism, social justice, geopolitics, history and religion. But dialogue can increase understanding and vision, which in turn can open the way to solutions not visible previously. For this reason I am extremely grateful to the five people who have agreed to contribute to this book and worked hard to bring it to a successful conclusion. All of them are Christians with a special interest or connection to the topic of Israel. All of them present positions which they believe are firmly supported in the Bible. Although there are many views on the subject, these five are broadly representative of thinking within the Church, including among Christians who describe themselves as evangelical. To my knowledge there has been no previous publication that has attempted to air these diverse perspectives in one volume in this way. Most projects seem to be committed to one position in distinction from another.

In Part One of the book each of the contributors sets out their own position.

Mr Derek McDowell, New Zealand national director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, focuses on God's covenant promises relating to Israel, and how they are relevant today and being worked out in the current state of Israel.

Dr Phil Church, biblical languages lecturer at Laid law College, considers what the New Testament says about the question of "land" and "rest" with particular reference to the book of Hebrews.

Mr Stephen Tollestrup, executive director of TEAR Fund NZ, focuses on peace and justice issues based on the Bible and his personal experience over many years in community development among Palestinians and engagement with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups.

Mr Sam Chapman, Director of Houhongo Rongo reconciliation ministries, considers the subject of land and the significance of indigenous Israel, Five Views on People, Land and State Vii people from a biblical perspective and Maori experience.

Dr Rob Yule, a Presbyterian minister and former national moderator of the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand, examines the past, present and future prospects of the Jewish-Christian relationship, with reference to what the Jewish and Christian Scriptures say about their mutual role in God's purposes for the world.

Part Two is essentially a dialogue as the contributors engage with each other's positions, which were circulated after all the Part Ones were completed.

Readers wishing to join the dialogue are invited to go to our website www.vision.org.nz (search on "Israel - 5 Views").

As might be expected, strong and challenging feelings have emerged from time to time, but a commitment to this project and the common thread of faith in Christ has kept this project positively on track. It would be fair to say everyone involved has found the process constructive as well as stimulating.

I trust the efforts of the contributors will be evident to, and appreciated by, the reader.

On a personal note I want to thank Julie Belding for her hard work and focus in the editing of this book.It is hoped that Israel - 5 Views will be engaging and stimulating reading. Let's pray it may even play a part on the path towards peace in the Middle East.

- Glyn Carpenter, National Director,Vision Network - New Zealand Christian Network

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