The horror of death and destruction now crippling the Middle East, euphemistically known as “The Holy Land,” finds me constantly defaulting to one overriding emotion: Gratitude. And no, that is not a typo. I’m grateful my late sister, Nancie Wingo,…
Evangelical groups call for ‘unequivocal’ support for Israel on October 7 anniversary
Since Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, Israel’s military has responded in force, killing an estimated 40,000 Palestinians and injuring nearly 100,000 more in Gaza while ramping up attacks on…
I’m eager to talk about the whole gospel and all the good news at Lausanne Congress
This week, the fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together,” is happening in Seoul, South Korea, where thousands of international Christians have come together from diverse backgrounds to consider “gaps and opportunities” in…
How Zionism poisoned Western Christianity
As a Semitic Palestinian Christian, I am deeply troubled by the pernicious influence of Zionist ideology on Western Christian theology. This ideology has ensnared many Western Christians, who cynically leverage the suffering of the Jewish people, especially during the Holocaust,…
‘Useful idiots’ won’t end the Israel-Hamas war, and neither will a cease-fire
Picture yourself at a rowdy MAGA rally: Paramilitary types sporting AR-15s and Kevlar vests roam the area, calling for the downfall of any government not led by Donald Trump, their glorious leader. Neo-Nazis spew hatred of immigrants and minorities. Other…
Palestinian death toll surpasses Israeli death toll, as American Christians debate where to place the blame
As of Thursday night, Oct. 12, more Palestinians had been killed by Israeli military operations than Israelis killed by the surprise Hamas attack that began a new round of violence in the Middle East Oct. 7. Further, the nation of…
Joy to the suffering world
Soon Christians worldwide will celebrate the birth of Christ. Presents will be exchanged. Special songs performed. Friends and families will gather. Lights will brighten the gloom of winter. And while Christmas is more cultural than sacred for many, these traditions quietly…
On praying for peace in Jerusalem
Over the last couple of weeks, my heart has been heavy over the turmoil erupting in Gaza between Palestinian and Israeli forces. As missiles and bombs dropped on buildings that serve as places of governmental power and countless lives were…
Pentecost and the (Un)Holy Land
On the evening of July 16, 2017, I boarded an 11-hour flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. It was my first trip to what has been known for years as the Holy Land, as part of a clergy contingent sponsored by…