Dear Editor,
Thanks for the interesting, but immensely sad, piece in the Marsh issue of en about Orthodox Jewish writer Jonathan Feldstein’s desire for Christianity to take root in Gaza.
It seems reminiscent of the stance of Gamaliel in Acts 5: ‘This faith appears to be of God, but I, nevertheless, don’t need it.’ Needless to say, such a stance may be taken by anyone, not just Jewish people.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Wheeler
Chorley
Dear Editor,
I am very grateful to you for your publication but I am perplexed by the inclusion in your latest edition of the article – Orthodox Jew wants Gazans to ‘get a little Jesus’. This is the only piece you include in this edition on what is happening in Gaza and Israel and it consists of a lengthy quote of an opinion with the only comment being that it is a ‘somewhat surprising suggestion’.
Would we not want to say more than ‘surprising’? I feel that Jonathan Feldstein patronises and stereotypes the suffering people of Gaza, trivialises the Lord Jesus Christ and misunderstands gospel work.
What perplexed me most is the final paragraph. I don’t understand how this is not a task for the Jewish people. Is their ‘unique covenant’ to be a light to the nations only and not also to bless the nations? Is the implication that Palestinians don’t want peace as much as Israelis? Is it helpful to talk of sending ‘an army of Christians to restore Gaza’ whilst ignoring the presence of Christians already living and suffering there? Jonathan Feldstein talks as if he wants to prescribe a ‘medicine’ for Gazans that he does not think that he himself needs. Having visited the Genesis 123 website I understand that their goals are limited to blessing Israel rather than all nations and to building bridges between Jews and Christians but not with Muslims. It does not seem as if there are any bridges being built with Christians living in Palestine.
Why would en want to give so much space to air views that dishonour Christ and disregard Palestinians without offering any comment or alternative position? Surely there is much more that could be reported from a Christian perspective on a tragedy that is dominating the secular news.
With every blessing for your service in Christ.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Tomlinson
By email
