Actually, you kind of answered your own question. The reason we talked about Israel is because it is a country that many Christians talk about. While I agree with you that it should be a secular issue, it is made into a religious one by many. Hence our treatment of the topic.

With regard to the rest of your comment, I do not think that supporting or withdrawing entirely are the only the two options. But I do think that each person should be guided by their own conscience in this matter. In my particular case, the views I expressed about Israel would extend to any particular government. I personally do not voluntarily support (financially, philosophically, or otherwise) military action by any group. I don’t don’t think I have to withdraw from society in order to hold that position.

You’re more than welcome to disagree with me on that, though! I’m open to rebuttal if you want to offer such.

That said … I’m not sure I follow the logic in singling Israel out to question whether or not Christian’s should support the country. Without getting into the “Christian pacifism” argument, then the list of countries whose support could be questioned seems to be fairly long. For instance, we should not support America for attacking Germany – and there were *many* more Christians in Germany at that time then there are in Gaza or Lebanon now.

So my question is why single out Israel? Certainly Israel occupies what would seem to be a special place in Biblical tradition, but this is a secular question – not a religious one.

Following the general argument that we, as Christians, should not support a country which defends itself against outside aggressors, and even less so an aggressor country, what does that really mean? Should we withdraw from the society in question altogether, or at least to the extent legally possible, like the Hutterites or other such groups? I’m not sure where we would, or should, take this.

Keep up the good work!

I think that Paul makes it clear that the sons of Abraham are spiritual ones when he says in Galatians 3:

“Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

I also wonder how this kind of nationalized religion would interpret and possibly skew God’s voice.

Thanks for listening graciously, even when you don’t agree, and thanks for being open to being stretched in some areas. I have a hunch that most of our listeners are very similar to you in attitude and perspective. We appreciate that so much!

blessings,
steve