Episode 11: Uncomfortable questions: the Middle East conflict through the lens of Scripture, with John Parr

The current conflict between Hamas, Israel, and now Hezbollah, regularly fills our news screens. As we intercede for peace in our church prayers, the Psalms and Old Testament readings often seem to endorse Israel’s return to possess the land and God's triumph over Israel's enemies. This raises the uncomfortable question: Does Scripture validate Israel's current military actions? How do we reconcile Jesus' teaching to love our neighbours and pray for those who persecute us with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East?

John Parr, an Anglican priest with years of academic and personal experience, joins us to explore these challenging questions. John shares insights from his studies in Latin American liberation theology and his visits to the Holy Land, where he engaged with both Jewish and Palestinian communities. Together, we delve into the complexities of interpreting biblical promises about land and how they relate to modern geopolitical realities.

We discuss the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament scriptures, the varied interpretations within the Jewish and Christian traditions, and how the New Testament teachings of Jesus might guide us today. This episode is a thoughtful examination of how we as Christians can understand and apply ancient texts to contemporary conflicts, striving for peace and reconciliation in a divided world.

Read John's article on the Roots for Churches website.