Article April 29, 2002 Issue

Honoring the God that loves both sides in the Middle East

By Chris Raymond

EXTREMIST POSITIONS are fueling the conflict in the Middle East.

On the one hand, Palestinian suicide bombers justify mass killings of Israelis with the conviction that the prophet Mohammed has called for Islam to wage war against infidels, evidently on instruction from Allah (God). Palestinian extremists were quoted as saying, "There is no better way to show God you love Him" ("Devotion, desire drive youths to 'martyrdom,' " June 26, 2001, USA Today).

Many Jews in Israel, on the other hand, believe that Jehovah, or God, promised the land that is now Israel to the Jews as His only chosen, loved people. To them, this isn't merely a gift; it is a holy charge that all faithful Jews should support with action. To them, defending this gift of land and making it safe for the chosen people justify extreme acts of violence.

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